Shawn Kemp released from jail after alleged drive-by shooting

Shawn Kemp released from jail after alleged drive-by shooting

Shawn Kemp is no longer detained in connection with an alleged drive-by shooting in Washington.

The former Sonics superstar was released from jail at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, according to Pierce County booking records.

KIRO in Seattle reports that prosecutors have not charged Kemp with a crime while a Tacoma police investigation is pending.

Kemp is claiming self-defense in the incident.

“Late Tuesday evening Shawn Kemp’s vehicle was broken into and numerous items were stolen, including an iPhone,” Kemp’s lawyer W. Scott Boatman told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski in a statement.

“On Thursday, Mr. Kemp tracked his iPhone to an occupied vehicle in a shopping mall parking lot in Tacoma.

“When Mr. Kemp approached the vehicle in an attempt to retrieve his stolen property, individuals inside the vehicle shot at Mr. Kemp, who then returned fire in self-defense.


Shawn Kemp was released from jail with no charges amid a Tacoma police investigation into an alleged drive-by shooting.
Shawn Kemp was released from jail with no charges amid a Tacoma police investigation into an alleged drive-by shooting.NBAE via Getty Images
Shawn Kemp dunks the ball in 1994.
Shawn Kemp dunks the ball in 1994.NBAE via Getty Images

“There was not a drive by shooting as previously reported and Mr. Kemp’s actions were reasonable and legally justified. Mr. Kemp met with law enforcement at the scene in an attempt to assist in the matter.

“Mr. Kemp has retained criminal attorneys Aaron Kiviat and Tim Leary to represent him and ensure that he is exonerated of all charges.”

Video of the incident made its way to social media.

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Footage has emerged of former NBA player Shawn Kemp firing a gun in parking lot following his booking Wednesday for alleged drive-by shooting.Footage has emerged of former NBA player Shawn Kemp firing a gun in a parking lot following his booking Wednesday for alleged drive-by shooting.TMZ Sports
Footage has emerged of former NBA player Shawn Kemp firing a gun in parking lot following his booking Wednesday for alleged drive-by shooting.Shawn Kemp is seen by his vehicle in a parking lot while wearing a red vest.Darkskin D/Twitter

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Footage has emerged of former NBA player Shawn Kemp firing a gun in parking lot following his booking Wednesday for alleged drive-by shooting.Shawn Kemp speaks with authorities.Darkskin D/Twitter

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Shawn Kemp at a Players Tribune event in 2018.
Shawn Kemp at a Players Tribune event in 2018.Getty Images for The Players' Tr

As Kemp approached the vehicle in question and pulled out his gun, one onlooker appeared to say, “He’s got the gun in his right hand, and he’s yelling at the guy in the 4Runner.”

One witness told TMZ that Kemp tossed his firearm in a bush in an attempt to ditch it, and that the gun was recovered by responding police.

The 53-year-old Kemp was a six-time NBA All-Star.

His career spanned from 1990-2004 and he played for the Supersonics, Cavaliers, Trail Blazers and Magic.