Former NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp jailed on drive-by shooting charge

Dominic Genetti, Hearst

March 9, 2023

Former NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp was arrested on a drive-by shooting charge in Tacoma, Washington. In this photo he is playing a game in 1996 against the Chicago Bulls. 

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Former six-time NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp is in custody at a Tacoma, Washington jail following a shooting incident at a local mall.

According to information released by the Tacoma Police Department on Facebook, “Responding officers determined an altercation had occurred between two parties in vehicles. One of the drivers fired off several rounds at the occupants of the other vehicle. The victim vehicle fled the area.”

Police added the “suspect” was found on the mall property and arrested without incident. The suspect was later identified as Kemp, 53, who was booked on a felony drive-by shooting charge.

Language for the drive-by shooting charge in Washington includes “a person who unlawfully discharges a firearm from a moving motor vehicle may be inferred to have engaged in reckless conduct … “

According to Washington law, a drive-by shooting charge is a Class B felony that can result in 10 years in prison and or a $20,000 fine. 

Kemp played the majority of his career with the Seattle Supersonics (Oklahoma City Thunder) over a course of 14 seasons which included stops near the end of his career in Cleveland, Portland and Orlando. He played in 1,051 games and averaged 14.6 points per game. His best season came in 1998-99 with Cleveland. 

Written By

Dominic Genetti