Detroit police are investigating a case involving Jameson Williams from earlier this month.
WXYZ in Detroit published a report on Tuesday regarding the matter. According to the report, Williams was a passenger in a vehicle being driven by the Lions wide receiver’s brother on Oct. 8. The car was pulled over during a routine traffic stop, and Williams’ brother apparently told the police that there were two guns in the car — one in the back seat and another under Williams’ seat.
The gun in the back seat was registered to Williams’ brother, who had a concealed pistol license (CPL). The gun under Williams’ seat was registered to the Lions receiver, but Williams did not have a CPL.
Williams told police that he had the gun for protection because he lives in Detroit. It seemed as though Williams would be arrested and taken to jail for carrying a gun without a license, but things changed.
Williams was initially handcuffed and placed into the back of a police car. He had been telling the officers that he was a Lions player. As a result, a sergeant was called to the scene because the situation involved a high-profile person.
The sergeant apparently was a Lions fan, knew of Williams, and made several phone calls to higher-ranking officials to see if Williams needed to be taken to jail. A lieutenant apparently told the sergeant that Williams could be released, so that’s what the officers did.
The Detroit Police Department began an investigation into the matter following a media inquiry by WXYZ. Williams apparently is now facing a charge of carrying a concealed weapon in a motor vehicle.
“Jameson made us aware immediately that he was a passenger in a routine traffic stop on Oct. 8. We discussed the incident with him and have kept the league informed of what we know. We understand he was released 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,” the Lions have said in a statement.
Williams’ attorney told WXYZ that both guns were properly registered and that Williams’ brother had a license to carry the guns.
The news about Williams’ near-arrest comes just a week after he was suspended two games by the NFL for a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy.