Pierce County booking records indicate that Kemp was released on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
However, prosecutors have not charged Kemp with a crime as a Tacoma police investigation is still ongoing.
Who is Shawn Kemp?
Former Seattle Supersonics player Shawn Kemp has been released from jail after being detained in connection with an alleged drive-by shooting in Washington.
Kemp, who is now 53 years old, was a six-time NBA All-Star. He played for several teams, including the Supersonics, Cavaliers, Trail Blazers, and Magic, throughout his career from 1990 to 2004.
According to KIRO in Seattle, Kemp is claiming self-defense in the incident. Kemp’s lawyer, W. Scott Boatman, issued a statement to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski explaining the situation. Boatman stated that Kemp’s vehicle was broken into on Tuesday evening, and several items, including an iPhone, were stolen. On Thursday, Kemp tracked his iPhone to an occupied vehicle in a shopping mall parking lot in Tacoma.
Kemp approached the vehicle to retrieve his stolen property, but individuals inside the car allegedly shot at him. Kemp returned fire in self-defense, and his actions were reasonable and legally justified, according to Boatman.
There was not a drive-by shooting, as previously reported, and Kemp met with law enforcement at the scene to assist in the matter. Kemp has also retained criminal attorneys Aaron Kiviat and Tim Leary to represent him and ensure he is exonerated of all charges.
As Kemp approached the vehicle 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.” TMZ reports that one witness saw Kemp toss his firearm in a bush in an attempt to ditch it. However, the gun was later recovered by responding police.
Source: Mckpage.com
