Memphis Basketball Recruit Arrested On Felony Gun Charges

Star high school basketball player Mikey Williams is facing multiple felonies after he was arrested in San Diego on Thursday.

Williams, 18, was hit with five counts of assault with a firearm. He was released on a $50,000 bond, according to Lt. Matt Carpenter of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

The charges are related to a shooting incident that happened just before midnight on March 27 in Jamul, a suburb of San Diego. NBC 7 reports a verbal argument broke out after guests were asked to leave a residence. Five people, including three minors, got into a car, and someone shot at the car as they were driving away. The vehicle was hit, but no one was injured. 

After investigating the shooting, an arrest warrant was served at the home, and Williams was taken into custody. The San Diego Sheriff’s Department told ESPN that although Williams is charged with five counts of assault with a deadly weapon, he will likely only face one of those counts. The basketball star is slated to appear in court on April 20. 

Williams has retained attorney Troy P. Owens Jr. to represent him, and his office issued a statement regarding the star player’s arrest.

“This altercation was initiated by several uninvited individuals entering the home and causing a disturbance,” the statement read. “During the aftermath of this disturbance, there were reports of shots being fired. Mr. Williams is alleged to match the description of the shooter. As a result, a search warrant was executed at the home, and Mr. Williams was arrested. He has posted bond and looks forward to addressing any allegations against him using the established procedures in our justice system.”

Owens wrote that Williams maintains his innocence and is cooperating with the investigation. 

Mikey Williams has hired San Diego based attorney Troy P. Owens Jr, per this letter Owens posted on IG.

"We are aware of several narratives being advanced online that are not factual and are designed to humiliate Mr. Williams. We are confident that the truth will come to light." pic.twitter.com/6Y4QodBOxV

— Parth Upadhyaya (@pupadhyaya_) April 15, 2023

The 6 foot 2 inch tall player is considered one of the top high school prospects and is ranked 34th on ESPN’s list of top 100 recruits for 2023. He was named the 2019-20 MaxPreps national basketball player of the year while playing for San Ysidro. He transferred to Lake Norman Christian for his sophomore and junior years before moving back to finish out his high school career at San Ysidro. 

Williams committed to the University of Memphis despite being courted by multiple top colleges. The Tigers Athletic Department said they “​​are aware of the situation and are gathering more information.”