### Shawn Kemp Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Assault in Tacoma Shooting Incident

Former NBA star Shawn Kemp admitted guilt to second-degree assault on Tuesday following a shooting incident in a Tacoma shopping mall parking lot in March 2023. The altercation stemmed from an earlier theft, which led Kemp to track down individuals he believed responsible for stealing items from his truck.

According to the defense's trial brief, Kemp, a six-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection, confronted two men inside a stolen Toyota 4Runner after they allegedly broke into his truck, making off with various items. Among the stolen goods were keys to his business, a cellphone, important paperwork, and valuable sports memorabilia intended for a charity fundraiser, including game-worn jerseys from Kemp and Gary Payton.

Utilizing the phone's location tracking, Kemp pursued the suspects. Although the thief discarded most of the stolen items, he retained the cellphone, mistakenly believing it to be a drug scale. Kemp's pursuit led to a tense encounter where a second individual in the 4Runner began firing at him. Kemp returned fire in an attempt to disable the vehicle, but his efforts were unsuccessful. The exchange resulted in damage to the 4Runner and another vehicle, but no injuries occurred.

The two men involved, aged 39 and 35, both have extensive criminal backgrounds and are currently serving prison sentences. Initially, Kemp faced charges of first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement. However, prosecutors recently amended the charges, adding another first-degree assault count and a drive-by shooting charge, both with firearm enhancements.

Kemp's lawyer, Tim Leary, noted that Kemp is focused on moving forward positively. He emphasized that the plea deal allows Kemp to take responsibility while acknowledging the self-defense aspect of the incident. As a result of the plea, Kemp will no longer be able to possess a firearm and must provide a biological sample for a law enforcement DNA database.

A typical sentence for second-degree assault in this context ranges from three to nine months, followed by a year of community custody. Prosecutors are pushing for the maximum sentence, urging the judge to impose nine months in jail, one year of community custody, and additional restitution payment. Kemp's sentencing is scheduled for August 22.

Kemp's other attorney, Aaron Kiviat, stated that Kemp aims to become a positive influence in the community by raising awareness about the dangers of gun violence, especially among youth. Kemp's notable career includes 14 seasons in the NBA, with eight of those spent in Seattle.