At least two people, including NBA player Zach Randolph, were arrested following a massive police response to a street party Wednesday night near the Nickerson Gardens housing apartment complex in the Watts section of Los Angeles.
Randolph, of the Sacramento Kings, was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana with intent to sell, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. He formerly played for Portland, Memphis and, briefly, with the LA Clippers and New York Knicks.
Randolph, 36, is a two-time NBA All-Star who was drafted by the Trail Blazers in 2001. He signed with the Kings in July after a successful run that began in 2009 with the Grizzlies.
His bail was set at $20,000.
"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.
Prop 64, approved in the November election, outlined the recreational use of marijuana in California. A state license is required to grow or sell marijuana.
As for the disturbance that brought police to the neighborhood, the initial call was reported around 10:30 p.m. after an officer requested help with controlling a large crowd at 1590 East 114th Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. LAPD officers first responded to the scene and were met by 100 people tossing rocks and bottles at them after they attempted to get into an apartment.
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Randolph and another man ran into a residence at Nickerson Gardens, a large public housing apartment complex about 12 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, police said. A crowd blocked officers when they tried to go in after the two men, according to the LAPD.
Authorities were able to clear the scene by 12:45 a.m. Five LAPD patrol cars and one sheriff's department vehicle were vandalized, according to officials. Aerial video showed at least one patrol car with a smashed back window.
No officers were hurt and no other injuries have been reported.
The second individual in custody was identified as a 43-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
