Former NBA star Shawn Kemp fired in self-defense after vehicle theft, lawyers say

TACOMA, Wash. (KOMO) — A former basketball star acted in self-defense when he exchanged gunfire in a mall parking lot, while trying to retrieve a stolen cell phone and other items, his lawyers said Thursday

Shawn Kemp spent Wednesday night in jail afterhe was arrested in connection to a drive-by shooting, but he won't face criminal charges.

“We’re grateful they didn’t rush to judgment,” criminal defense lawyer Tim Leary said.

A spokesperson for thePierce County Prosecutor’s Office near Seattle said Kemp, 53, willbe released andthe case's status would be "No Charges Filed,"pending further investigation by the Tacoma Police Department.

In a written statement, fellow lawyer W. Scott Boatman said Kemp's vehicle was broken into Tuesday night and several items were taken — including an iPhone.

But Kemp tracked his phone's location to an occupied car at the Tacoma Mall. Then, when he confronted the people inside on Wednesday, they shot at him and he returned fire, Boatright said.

Kemp was arrested after officers went to the report of shots fired in the parking lot.

There was not a drive-by shooting as previously reported and Mr. Kemp's actions were reasonable and legally justified,” Boatman said. “Mr. Kemp met with law enforcement at the scene in an attempt to assist in the matter.

Tacoma police said they recovered a gun at the scene.

KOMO reported Kemp was booked at about 6 p.m. Wednesday.

The former Seattle SuperSonic was drafted in 1989 and played 14 seasons in the NBA, eight of them in the Emerald City.

Kemp led the Sonics to an NBA Finals appearance in 1996 season, their first appearance since 1979. He never played college basketball, but was a six-time NBA all-star.

These days, he has two licensed cannabis stores in Seattle.