King County prosecutors decided not to file any charges against NBA free agent Terrence Williams in connection with an alleged assault case in May in Kent with a former girlfriend.
Kent Police arrested Williams May 19 for investigation of second-degree assault after he allegedly displayed a handgun to a former girlfriend during a scheduled visitation exchange of their 10-year-old son. He appeared May 20 in King County Superior Court in Kent for a bail hearing, which was set at $25,000. Williams posted bail later that evening.
Prosecutors spent more than three months reviewing the case.
“Terrence feels grateful for the diligent and thorough investigation that the King County Prosecutors Office and the Kent Police Department conducted in this matter,” defense attorney Aaron Kiviat said in a press release on Friday. “Terrence was confident from the beginning that he had acted in self-defense, and is vindicated in knowing that law enforcement felt the same way after reviewing all of the evidence presented to them.”
At the time of his arrest, Williams, 26, was a member of the Boston Celtics. The Celtics released Williams in July and he remains a free agent. He played at Seattle’s Rainier Beach High School and at the University of Louisville. The Houston Rockets picked him 11th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft.
“Went through hell because of self defense,” Williams tweeted on his Twitter account Friday.
According to probable cause documents, the ex-girlfriend reported that Williams arrived at her home for a scheduled visitation exchange of their son. She said during the exchange in the apartment parking lot area an argument ensued. The woman reported that during the argument Williams brandished a firearm and made threats.
Kiviat said in court in May that that the former girlfriend was the initial aggressor when she banged on the vehicle door. He also added that he understands there was another witness present who tells a different story than what police had released.
“We have presented to the prosecution statements from impartial witnesses that support Mr. Williams’ contention that he was in fear for his safety and only acting in self defense,” Kiviat said in a statement after the arrest.
With no charges filed, Williams plans to put the arrest behind him.
“Terrence looks forward to moving on with his life and focusing his energy on his career and family,” Kiviat said.
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