Ex-Sonics Star Shawn Kemp Released, Not Facing Charges After Shooting

Former NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp will not face immediate charges after he was booked on a drive-by shooting charge Wednesday evening stemming from an incident in Tacoma, Washington.

Adam Faber, a spokesperson for the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office, said in a statement that Kemp would be released from jail pending further investigation, according to the Associated Press.

W. Scott Boatman, Kemp’s attorney, released a statement, saying that the situation arose when Kemp’s vehicle was broken into and several items were stolen, including his iPhone. Boatman said when Kemp tracked the phone and went to retrieve it, individuals shot at the former NBA forward, who returned fire in self defense.

“There was not a drive-by shooting as previously reported and Mr. Kemp’s actions were reasonable and legally justified,” Boatman said.

Kemp was initially arrested Wednesday evening by Tacoma police. “No injuries were reported” and “a gun was recovered,” per the police.

Kemp, a six-time All-Star, played for the SuperSonics, Cavaliers, Trail Blazers and Magic during his 14-year NBA career. He helped Seattle to its final NBA Finals appearance in 1996.