Former NBA Star Shawn Kemp Booked On Felony Drive-By Shooting Charge, Sources Say He Acted in Self-Defense

Shawn Kemp, who previously played for the Seattle SuperSonics, was arrested Wednesday in Washington State for his alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting. Sources told Seattle Fox 13 that the shooting was in self-defense.

According to ESPN, Kemp was booked at the Pierce County Jail following an altercation that occurred around 1:58 p.m. between two drivers near a mall in Tacoma.

“Responding officers determined an altercation had occurred between two parties in vehicles,” Tacoma Police Department said. “One of the drivers fired off several rounds at the occupants of the other vehicle.”

Sources told FOX 13’s David Rose that Kemp had property stolen from his vehicle Tuesday, tracked his iPhone to Tacoma on Wednesday when he approached the vehicle, a suspect shot at him. This prompted Kemp to fire back in self-defense.

Kemp was ultimately booked on a felony charge of drive-by shooting. He’s scheduled to appear in court Thursday afternoon.

Thursday, TMZ obtained footage of the incident and spoke to witnesses who claimed they heard several gunshots before recording. They also told the outlet Kemp ditched his gun in a nearby bush.

Nicknamed the “Reign Man,” the ex-forward had a successful career in the NBA, playing for 14 seasons and earning six All-Star titles. He played for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1997 to 2000 and also had stints with the Seattle SuperSonics, Portland Trailblazers, and Orlando Magic. Kemp played in a total of 204 games with Cleveland, with an average of 18.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game in the three seasons he spent there.

In addition, Kemp launched a cannabis store in Seattle’s Belltown area in 2020, and within the past month, he started another store in the SODO neighborhood of Seattle.