Former Sonics star Shawn Kemp to be released, no charges to be filed

Former Seattle SuperSonics star Shawn Kemp will be released Thursday after he was arrested Wednesday night on suspicion of a shooting.

According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, no charges will be filed, pending further investigation by the Tacoma Police Department.

Kemp, 53, was booked into the Pierce County Jail Wednesday afternoon after being arrested near the Tacoma Mall.

KIRO 7 obtained video shot outside the mall showing a man in red standing next to a Porsche, which KIRO 7 has confirmed is registered to Kemp.

Moments later, we see that man get into the car and speed away. Another clip shows the man pulled over by police and being placed in handcuffs.

“I was helping a customer and I heard a couple shots, and the mail lady was coming in and she said, ‘The guy in the red vest just shot somebody,’” said a witness that wished to remain anonymous. “And then I ran over there and locked all my doors and started videotaping it.”

“I’m not saying it would be any better, but if it was like DUI or something of that nature, you kind of see it,” said Robert, who did not want to be shown on camera. “But like a drive-by shooting, Shawn Kemp — he’s not shooting basketballs, right?”

Responding officers learned that an altercation took place between two parties in cars. One of the drivers allegedly fired several rounds at the occupants of the other car.

According to the Associated Press, one of Kemp’s attorneys, W. Scott Boatman, said Kemp’s vehicle was broken into Tuesday night and several items were taken — including an iPhone. Kemp tracked the phone’s location to an occupied car at the Tacoma Mall, and when Kemp confronted the individuals inside, they shot at him, and he returned fire, Boatright said.

The victim’s vehicle left the area.

Police say a gun was recovered from the scene.

No injuries were reported.

“It’s becoming a regular occurrence, unfortunately,” said the witness. “I mean, that’s probably the fourth one this month.”

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