Detroit police have reportedly launched an investigation into why Lions star Jameson Williams avoided arrest after he was found with two guns.
It is alleged that the recipient was a passenger in a car next to his brother when he was stopped by police for speeding on October 8.
Williams’ brother revealed there were two weapons inside, but the NFL star – who is currently serving a two-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs – was quickly released.
The decision not to detain the Detroit star is now under investigation by police chiefs who are ‘p****d off’, according to WYZX News.
“I want to know, did the fact that this person was a Detroit Lions player play a factor in the decision-making?” Commander Michael McGinnis is quoted as asking.
Police have reportedly launched an investigation into why Jameson Williams avoided arrest
“This investigation continues to evolve and new information has come to light that we are actively pursuing,” Detroit police said in a statement. TMZ.
“Let us be clear: No one in the city of Detroit is above the law. Anyone who commits a crime will be held accountable, regardless of position or status.”
Williams’ brother is believed to have been driving the vehicle when it was stopped. A firearm was found in the backseat and under Williams’ seat.
One of the guns was registered to Williams, but the NFL star did not have a concealed pistol permit. Bodycam footage shows Williams pleading with officers after they warned him he would be taken into custody.
“I play for the Lions, I’m Jameson Williams,” you hear him say. “Bro, I play for the Detroit Lions.”
Williams eventually admitted that the firearm was his after his brother tried to claim it was his.
“I have the gun for protection… do you know where I live? Detroit!’ said Williams, who was handcuffed and put in the back of a police car.
“I play for the Lions, my name is Jameson Williams,” the NFL star was heard telling the officers
The recipient was a passenger in a car next to his brother when he was stopped by police
A sergeant, who arrived on the scene, made several calls to higher-ups to determine whether the NFL star should be detained.
He eventually gave Williams’ gun back and let him go. He even appeared to say to the arresting officers, “I’m so mad at you two.”
When the sergeant was told Williams could be released, he told a lieutenant on the phone, “You’re a hero. Thank you very much’.
The wallpaper on the sergeant’s phone was the Lions logo.
McGinnis added: “I think there was probable cause to arrest, and he was arrested by the police officer.
“Therefore, he should have been transferred to the Detroit Detention Center and treated there. (Chief James White) was very unhappy about the whole of the circumstances here. Even going so far as to say he was wrong.’
A firearm was found in the backseat and under Williams’ seat after it was stopped by police
Bodycam footage showed the wallpaper on the sergeant’s phone was the Lions logo
The Lions said in a statement: “Jameson immediately brought it to our attention that he was a passenger in a routine traffic stop on October 8 … we have discussed the incident with him and have kept the league informed of what we know.
“We understand he was released without incident or citation. We now understand that Detroit police are re-investigating the case. Jameson has retained an attorney and out of respect for the legal process, we will have no further comment.”
Williams’ lawyer added: ‘On October 8, my clients were stopped for an alleged traffic violation. During the stop, my clients were both cooperative and respectful toward the police officers.
“The two handguns found in the vehicle were both properly registered and the driver in the vehicle had the correct paperwork to carry them. We have cooperated with the police and will continue to do so.”