Detroit traffic stop involving Lions WR Jameson Williams under investigation
- Jameson Williams was a passenger in a vehicle with his brother, which was pulled over by Detroit police on October 8 for speeding.
- Officers discovered two guns in the vehicle; one was registered to Williams' brother, who has a concealed pistol license, while Williams admitted ownership of the second gun.
- Following an investigation into the traffic stop, police are examining why Williams was not arrested despite being initially detained.
On October 8, 2023, Jameson Williams, wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, was involved in a traffic stop in Detroit, Michigan. The vehicle, being driven by his brother, was pulled over for speeding. During this stop, police discovered two guns present in the vehicle—one was registered to Williams' brother, who had a concealed pistol license, while the other gun belonged to Williams himself, who did not possess a concealed carry permit. The situation escalated when police initially considered arresting Williams for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. Despite being placed in handcuffs and briefly detained, Williams was eventually released after a sergeant made several calls to higher-ranking officials for guidance on how to proceed. This decision has since led to internal scrutiny within the Detroit Police Department regarding their choice to not arrest Williams, raising questions about possible favoritism due to his status as a professional athlete. The department's leadership, including Police Chief James White, expressed frustration over the handling of the incident as they seek to address the protocol discrepancies revealed by the circumstances of the stop. Williams, currently serving a suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy, has maintained cooperation with the investigation. This event underscores the ongoing complexities regarding gun ownership, compliance with laws, and the impact of one's public persona in legal situations. The inquiries into the police's actions reflect a commitment to accountability, emphasizing that no individual, regardless of their status, is above the law.