Kings’ Randolph arrested on drugs charge
LOS ANGELES — Veteran Sacramento Kings forward Zach Randolph was arrested on a marijuana charge after police cars were vandalized when a large gathering became unruly at a Los Angeles housing project, authorities said on Thursday.
Randolph, 36, was taken into custody on Wednesday on suspicion of possessing marijuana with intent to sell, according to Los Angeles Police Department officer Norma Eisenman.
“The charges are false and misleading,” Randolph’s agent and attorney Raymond Brothers told Associated Press on Thursday.
“We’re options matter.”
Police on patrol observed a crowd drinking, smoking pot, blasting music and blocking streets at the Nickerson Gardens project in Watts, authorities said.
The officers observed three people, including Randolph, “reach for their waist bands” and then run away, looking at to resolve all this Eisenman said.
An officer detained one of the three men — who was questioned and released — while Randolph and another man, Stanley Walton, went inside a home, police said.
A crowd began to form and the bystanders tried to block the officers, authorities said. Officers were able to enter the home and arrested Randolph and Walton inside.
After the arrests, the crowd grew and people began throwing bottles and rocks, police added.
Five police cars and one sheriff’s vehicle ended up with smashed windows and slashed tires. No officers were hurt.
Walton, 43, was arrested on suspicion of carrying a gun as an ex-convict. A police spokeswoman said she did not know if he has an attorney.
Police recovered two guns, impounded two vehicles and seized narcotics.
Randolph, a 16-year NBA veteran, spent eight seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies before signing with the Sacramento in July.
The Kings issued a statement on Thursday saying they were aware of the situation and would have no further comment at this time.