Lions’ Jameson William evaded arrest after gun found in car

On October 30, 2024By Littum

Police are investigating why Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams was never arrested after he was found with a concealed weapon during a traffic stop. according to a report by WXYZ.

The traffic stop reportedly took place after midnight on Oct. 8, just two weeks before his two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Officers stopped a car driven by Williams’ brother near Connor and Jefferson avenues in Detroit, police said Channel 7. During the encounter, his brother informed police that there were two guns in the vehicle – one was registered to him and was in the back seat, while the other, registered to Williams, was found under the football player’s seat.

While Williams’ brother had a concealed handgun license (CPL), Williams himself did not.

Williams was then told by police that he would be taken into custody for carrying a concealed weapon. Body camera footage showed Williams repeatedly identifying himself and saying, “I play for the Lions, bro,” but the officer maintained that Williams’ status would not affect his arrest decision.

After being handcuffed and placed in a patrol car, a supervisor was called to the scene. When a sergeant arrived, he quickly recognized Williams and then made some phone calls with higher-ranking officials.

At first it appeared that Williams was to be taken to jail, but after further discussion the sergeant was apparently asked to release him from custody.

“You’re a (expletive) hero. Thank you so much,” the sergeant can be heard saying in the footage obtained by Channel 7. Williams was released, his gun was returned and no police report was filed.

In light of the incident, the Detroit Police Department submitted a warrant request to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for Williams, who now faces a charge of carrying a concealed weapon in a motor vehicle.

Williams’ attorney stated that both men were cooperative during the traffic stop and emphasized that the firearms were legally registered, according to the report. The Lions released a statement acknowledging the incident and confirming they are keeping the league informed as the investigation develops.

“Jameson immediately brought to our attention 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,” Detroit Lions said in a statement to WXYZ. “We understand he was released without incident or citation. It is now our understanding that the Detroit Police Department is reopening the case. Jameson has retained an attorney and we will not comment further out of respect for the legal process.”