Memphis basketball recruit Mikey Williams faces gun charge

Mikey Williams, an elite and popular basketball prospect who is set to attend Memphis next season, was arrested Thursday in San Diego on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon.

San Diego Sheriff’s Department Lt. Gavin Lanning said Williams — ranked 34th in ESPN’s list of the top 100 recruits in the 2023 class — paid a $50,000 bond and was released at 12:14 a.m. Friday. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance Thursday.

There are multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon against Williams, according to police documents, but he is likely to face one charge, according to Lanning. Williams is accused of violating California penal code Chapter 9, Section 245(a)(2), which involves “any person who commits an assault upon the person of another with a firearm.” The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to four years in prison.

In a statement, Memphis said it was “aware of the situation and [is] gathering more information.”

According to the incident report released Friday, there was an argument at a home on Monday evening and multiple people were asked to leave the residence.

“Five people got into a car and as they were driving away, shots were fired,” according to the sheriff’s department incident report. “The car was hit, but no one was hurt.”

Williams was arrested after a search warrant was executed. Multiple minors were in the car. The sheriff’s office said it will not release Williams’ booking photo because by policy it releases such photos only “when there is an immediate threat to public safety.”

Williams has retained Troy P. Owens, a criminal defense attorney in San Diego. Per Owens’ statement, released Friday night, the alleged shooting unfolded at Williams’ home after an “altercation.”

“This altercation was initiated by several uninvited individuals entering the home and causing a disturbance,” Owens’ statement said. “During the aftermath of this disturbance, there were reports of shots being fired. Mr. Williams is alleged to match the description of the shooter. As a result, a search warrant was executed at the home and Mr. Williams was arrested. He has posted bond and looks forward to addressing any allegations against him using…