Traffic stop involving Lions' Jameson Williams, guns being investigated

DETROIT — Detroit police are investigating a traffic stop involving Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation.

Williams was briefly detained and then released by Detroit police officers earlier this month after two guns were found in a vehicle driven by his brother during a traffic stop for allegedly speeding near Conner and Jefferson, according to WXYZ-TV. The police department has since launched an investigation as to why Williams was released. It also has submitted a warrant request to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office over the stop.

According to the WXYZ report, Williams was riding in the passenger seat of a car driven by his brother on Oct. 8 when the two were pulled over during a traffic stop. Williams' brother disclosed to officers that there were two guns in the car: one registered to him and the other to Williams.

Williams' brother, whose gun was in the backseat of the car, has a concealed pistol license (CPL), according to the report. Officers found Williams, whose gun was under the passenger seat, did not have a CPL, which resulted in him being placed in handcuffs at the scene.

The Lions released a statement to The Detroit News on Tuesday, saying: "Jameson made us aware immediately that he was a passenger in a routine traffic stop on October 8th. We discussed the incident with him and have kept the league informed of what we know. We understand he was released without incident or citation."

The statement continued: "It is now our understanding that the Detroit Police Department is revisiting the matter. Jameson has hired an attorney, and we will not be commenting further out of respect for the legal process."

Todd Flood, the attorney for Williams and his brother, released a statement to WXYZ that read: "On October 8, my clients were pulled over for an alleged traffic violation. During the course of the stop, my clients were both cooperative and respectful with the police officers. With the two pistols that were found in the vehicle, they were both properly registered and the driver in the vehicle had the proper credentials to carry them. We have cooperated with law enforcement and will continue to do so."

Flood could not be immediately reached for comment by The Detroit News.

In response to a request by The News for a comment on the traffic stop involving Williams, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office confirmed it received a warrant request that is being reviewed but did not confirm the name of the person it involves.

Officer Justin Hearn, a spokesman for the Detroit Police Department, released a statement to The Detroit News on Tuesday night after being asked about the Williams traffic stop: "This investigation continues to evolve, and new information has come to light that we are actively addressing. We take every investigation seriously, especially when new allegations and facts emerge, and we are committed to acting in a swift and transparent manner. Once new facts are confirmed, we make the necessary changes in our decision-making process. Let it be clear: No one in the City of Detroit is above the law. Anyone who commits a crime will be held accountable, regardless of their position or status."

Williams is serving a two-game suspension for violating the NFL's Performance Enhancing Substances policy. He served the first game of his suspension in Sunday's 52-14 win over the Tennessee Titans and will not be eligible for reinstatement until after Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field.

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Staff Writer George Hunter contributed.