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The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office is currently examining a request to issue an arrest warrant for Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams on a concealed weapon charge, as reported by WXYZ-TV in Detroit.
Details of October 8 Incident
The warrant request, initiated by the Detroit Police Department late last week, stems from an Oct. 8 traffic stop, where Williams faced a charge of carrying a concealed weapon in a motor vehicle.
On Tuesday, the Detroit Police Department released a statement, noting that their investigation “continues to evolve, and new information has come to light that we are actively addressing.”
“We take every investigation seriously, especially when new allegations and facts emerge, and we are committed to acting in a swift and transparent manner,” the department said in its statement. “Once new facts are confirmed, we make the necessary changes in our decision-making process.
“Let it be clear: no one in the City of Detroit is above the law. Anyone who commits a crime will be held accountable, regardless of their position or status.”
The inquiry followed an internal affairs investigation after WXYZ-TV questioned the police department about why officers didn’t initially hold Williams.
Williams’ attorney, Todd Flood, responded to the station with a statement clarifying the events of the stop. “On October 8, my clients were pulled over for an alleged traffic violation. During the course of the stop, my clients were both cooperative and respectful with the police officers. The vehicle contained two pistols, both properly registered, and the driver had the correct credentials to carry them. We have cooperated with law enforcement and will continue to do so.”
Investigation Developments
According to the report, Williams rode as a passenger in a vehicle driven by his brother, whom police stopped after midnight. Williams’ brother informed officers there were two guns in the car: one in the back seat registered to him, and one under Williams’ seat, registered to Williams but without a concealed pistol license.
Body camera audio indicated that Williams identified himself multiple times as a Lions player. Though initially handcuffed, a series of calls from a supervising sergeant to higher-ranking officers led to his release, and the police chose not to file an official report on the incident.
In response to initial questions from WXYZ-TV, a deputy chief stated only one gun was present. However, upon learning of the second gun, Police Chief James White reviewed the body camera footage and ordered an investigation.
Lions’ Response to the Incident
“Jameson made us aware immediately that he was a passenger in a routine traffic stop on October 8th. We discussed the incident with him and have kept the league informed of what we know,” the Lions said in a statement to WXYZ-TV. “We understand the police released him without incident or citation. It is now our understanding that the Detroit Police Department is revisiting the matter. Jameson has hired an attorney, and we will not be commenting further out of respect for the legal process.”
This incident occurred shortly before Williams’ two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. The NFL also suspended him last season for violating the league’s gambling policy. Williams, the 12th overall pick in the 2022 draft, currently ranks second on the team with 361 receiving yards and three touchdown catches this season.
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