NBA star James Harden arrested in Houston for unlawful carrying of a weapon
NBA shooting guard James Harden was arrested early Saturday morning in Harris County, Texas, and charged with a misdemeanor for unlawful carrying of a weapon. According to court records, Harden was booked into the Harris County Jail just before 5 a.m. And released less than two hours later on a $100 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, June 22. The criminal complaint filed in Harris County Criminal Court at Law alleges that Harden was illegally carrying an unholstered handgun in his vehicle. While CBS News reports that the records do not specify how the weapon was found or where the arrest occurred, NBC News states that a charging document alleges an officer observed the handgun in plain view inside the vehicle. The document further alleges that Harden “unlawfully, intentionally and knowingly” carried the weapon. As a condition of his bond, court documents indicate Harden is ordered not to possess any weapons, consume alcohol or drugs, and must submit to random urine tests. A class A misdemeanor in Texas carries a maximum sentence of one year in county jail. Court documents list Harden’s home address as an apartment building near the Toyota Center, the home arena of the Houston Rockets, where he played from 2012 to 2020. The Cleveland Cavaliers, who traded for Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers in February, issued a statement acknowledging the arrest. A team spokesperson, BJ Evans, told NBC News that the team is in contact with Harden and his representation and is gathering more information. The team stated they will continue to monitor developments but had no further comment at that time. Harden’s agent did not immediately respond to requests for comment from either outlet.
Sources
CBS News · NBC News