Kings’ Randolph arrested amid melee

Sacramento Kings forward Zach Randolph was arrested on a felony marijuana charge after several police cars were vandalized when a large gathering became unruly at a Los Angeles housing project, authorities said Thursday.

Randolph, 36, was taken into custody late 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 the Associated Press on Thursday. “We’re looking at all options to resolve this 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 saw three people, including Randolph, “reach for their waist bands” and then run away from the officers, Eisenman said in a statement.

An officer detained one of the three while Randolph and another man went inside a home, police said. A crowd began to form and tried to block the officers, authorities said. Officers were able to enter the home and arrested Randolph and the other man.

After the arrests, the crowd grew and people began throwing bottles and rocks, police said. Five police cars and one sheriff ’s vehicle ended up with smashed windows and slashed tires. No officers were hurt.

Randolph, a 16-year league veteran, spent eight seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies before signing with the Kings in July. The Kings issued a statement saying the team is aware of the situation and will have no further comment at this time.