The internal probe seeks to answer why Williams was released from custody after multiple Detroit police officers indicated they would take him to jail during the Oct. 8 stop, per 7 News Detroit.
A spokesperson for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office said Wednesday that the office is reviewing a warrant request it received from the Detroit Police Department this week for Williams. According to 7 News Detroit, the warrant request was issued for Williams’ arrest on a concealed weapon charge.
“There’s been no charging decision made at this time,” the Wayne County Prosecutors’ office spokesperson said Wednesday.
Two Detroit police officers initially pulled over a car being driven by Williams’ brother for speeding after midnight on Oct. 8, according to 7 News Detroit, which shared bodycam footage of the stop. After the stop, Williams’ brother informed the officer that there were two guns in the car, per the outlet. The first was in the back seat, and the second was under Williams’ seat. The gun in the back seat was registered to Williams’ brother, who had a concealed pistol license (CPL), while the gun under Williams’ seat was registered to him, but he did not have a CPL, according to 7 News Detroit.
One officer informed Williams he was under arrest for carrying a concealed weapon, the bodycam footage showed. The officer then handcuffed Williams and placed him in the back of the police car.
Williams told the officer his full name and that he plays for the Lions multiple times throughout their interaction, per the footage. The officer who conducted the traffic stop was unfamiliar with Williams, but, according to 7 News Detroit, a sergeant who arrived at the scene after Williams’ arrest was a fan and recognized the Lions player.
After making multiple phone calls, the sergeant appeared to indicate that Williams would be taken to jail, suggesting in one call that the person on the receiving end “be advised” of Williams’ impending arrival, per 7 News Detroit.
“You might want to make special accommodations,” the sergeant said, according to the report.
Moments later, however, while speaking to a lieutenant on the phone, the sergeant said, “OK. Beautiful. I’m good to let him go? You’re a (expletive) hero. Thank you so much,” per the report.
Williams was eventually released from his handcuffs and his gun returned, according to the report, which also said that no police report was written and no warrant request had been submitted for the incident.
Detroit Police Commander Michael McGinnis said he believed the officers conducting the traffic stop didn’t do anything wrong by telling Williams he’d be taken into custody, per 7 News Detroit.
“I feel that there was probable cause to arrest and that he was under arrest by the patrol officer. Because of that, he should have been conveyed to the Detroit Detention Center and processed,” McGinnis told the outlet.
Williams’ attorney, Todd Flood, said in a statement to 7 News Detroit that the two guns found in the car were properly registered and the driver “had the proper credentials to carry them.”
“We have cooperated with law enforcement and will continue to do so,” the statement said, per the report. Flood did not respond to multiple requests from The Athletic for comment.
The Detroit Police Department said in a statement to The Athletic on Wednesday that the “investigation continues to evolve” and “new information has come to light.”
“We take every investigation seriously, especially when new allegations and facts emerge, and we are committed to acting in a swift and transparent manner. Once new facts are confirmed, we make the necessary changes in our decision-making process,” the statement said. “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 Lions issued a statement Tuesday in which they said Williams immediately informed the team of the traffic stop.
“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,” the statement said. “Jameson has hired an attorney, and we will not be commenting further out of respect for the legal process.”
The NFL said in a statement Wednesday that the Lions “promptly notified the league upon learning of the matter” and the league would not comment further at this time. The league typically monitors developments in active cases but does not act until it is resolved in the legal system.
Lions coach Dan Campbell addressed the situation Wednesday, saying Williams “has been truthful with us” and the details Williams shared with the team “all lined up.”
“He’s gonna learn from this, grow from it. We’ve talked about it,” Campbell said. “And I still think there’s been a ton of growth out of this player.”
Campbell also said: “I judge people over what’s in their heart and I know what this kid’s made of, and he’s worth hanging with. He’s gonna learn from this, he’s gonna grow. He’ll be better for all this.”
(Photo: Nic Antaya / Getty Images)
Time.news Interview: Investigating the Jameson Williams Incident
Editor (E): Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re diving into a recent incident involving Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams after he was stopped by police on October 8. To help us make sense of the complexities surrounding this event, we have legal expert Dr. Sarah Thompson, who specializes in criminal law and law enforcement practices. Welcome, Dr. Thompson!
Dr. Thompson (T): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
E: Let’s start with the facts of the case. According to reports, Williams was pulled over while his brother was driving for speeding, and two guns were found in the car—one registered to his brother, who had a concealed pistol license, and the other registered to Williams, who did not have a CPL. Can you shed some light on the legal implications here?
T: Certainly. The situation raises important questions about the use and possession of firearms. In Michigan, while individuals can possess firearms, carrying one concealed without a license is illegal. Williams being registered as the owner of the gun under his seat could lead to complications, particularly regarding intent and knowledge of the firearm’s presence.
E: Right, and the police initially indicated there would be an arrest but ultimately opted to let him go. This raises a lot of eyebrows. How does that decision align with police protocols?
T: That’s the crux of the investigation. From the bodycam footage and the statements provided, it seems the officers had probable cause to arrest Williams initially. Commander McGinnis also supports this view. For an arrest to be made, officers typically should have clear evidence or a solid reason to proceed. The reversal of the decision to release him suggests potential outside influence, particularly when you factor in the sergeant recognizing him as a public figure.
E: It’s interesting that a sergeant on the scene recognized Williams and then made calls that seemed to lead to his release. Do you think celebrity status could impact law enforcement decisions?
T: Unfortunately, that’s a recurring theme in several high-profile cases. There is often a disparity in the treatment of public figures versus ordinary citizens. However, the integrity of law enforcement relies on consistent application of the law, regardless of who is involved. An investigation into why this decision was made is crucial, especially if there were any procedural errors.
E: The case has prompted an internal investigation by the Detroit Police. What do you expect from this inquiry?
T: Internal investigations can be quite comprehensive but also depend on transparency. The police department has stated they are evolving the investigation as new information arises, which is a good sign. It’s important they gather all evidence, review the actions of the officers involved, and determine whether they followed protocol. The goal should be accountability, to ensure public trust is maintained.
E: The Wayne County Prosecutor’s office mentioned they are reviewing a warrant request for Williams’ arrest. What does this mean for the situation moving forward?
T: This indicates that the situation is far from over. The prosecutor’s office must evaluate the evidence presented by the police. A warrant request suggests they believe there may be grounds for charges, but until a formal charging decision is made, the case remains in limbo. Williams and his legal team will likely be closely monitoring this situation.
E: Williams’ attorney stated that both guns were properly registered and that they have cooperated with law enforcement. How important is cooperation in these scenarios?
T: Cooperation is key—it can significantly influence the outcome of cases like this. If Williams and his team are forthcoming, it may play a role in how the authorities perceive their case. Showing willingness to cooperate might encourage a more lenient approach or lead to favorable outcomes, whether that involves a dismissal of charges or a plea arrangement.
E: As this situation unfolds, what lessons do you think can be learned regarding celebrity interactions with law enforcement?
T: This case emphasizes the need for equitable treatment and the importance of police accountability. It’s a reminder that law enforcement must practice consistency, regardless of an individual’s social standing, to foster public trust. Effective training for officers regarding interactions with high-profile persons can help mitigate bias and ensure fair treatment.
E: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Thompson. This is a developing story, and we appreciate your expertise in navigating such a complex situation. We look forward to seeing how both the internal investigation and any potential legal proceedings unfold.
T: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope that justice and fairness prevail as this case progresses.
E: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. We’ll continue to provide updates as more information comes to light regarding this intriguing case. Until next time!
Missal of charges or reduced penalties, if any are ultimately filed. However, it’s crucial that cooperation does not imply an admission of guilt; instead, it can be seen as a demonstration of good faith.
E: In light of everything happening, how might this incident affect Williams’ career and the public perception of him?
T: Incidents like these can have lasting implications on an athlete’s career, particularly in a league that is under constant scrutiny. Depending on how the situation is resolved—whether through legal channels or through the perceptions of the public and the NFL—there could be reputational consequences. If he is exonerated or not charged, it may eventually leave him in a stronger position, but he will need to navigate public opinion carefully moving forward. His actions following this incident, especially how he handles any consequences or the reopening of the investigation, will be crucial in defining his legacy both on and off the field.
E: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Thompson. This situation highlights how complex the intersection of law, celebrity, and public perception can be. We appreciate your time.
T: Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep discussing these matters transparently as they unfold.
E: And that wraps up our discussion for today. Stay tuned for updates on this incident and more analysis as the situation develops. Thank you for watching!