Former NBA guard J.R. Smith was arrested in Texas earlier this week following an alleged domestic assault involving a woman with whom he reportedly had a family, household or dating relationship.
According to court documents obtained by the California Post, Smith “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly” caused “bodily injury” to the woman on September 18, allegedly “by hitting, grabbing or pushing” her “with [his] hand.”
The Southlake Police Department subsequently issued an arrest warrant, and Smith was taken into custody Monday afternoon during a traffic stop in Royse City after an automated license plate reader alerted authorities.
“The check of the license plate showed an active warrant for a wanted person out of the Southlake Police Department,” Royse City Police Chief Kirk Aldridge stated.
“The wanted person was Earl Joseph Smith III [J.R. Smith’s full name] and the charge was for Family Violence Assault Causing Bodily Injury. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver of the vehicle was identified as Earl Joseph Smith III. The warrant was confirmed and Mr. Smith was taken into custody.”
Jail records show that Smith was booked on one misdemeanor count of assault causing bodily injury involving family violence. He was released Tuesday night on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court later this month.
His attorney, Justin A. Moore, said Smith “is eager to see this matter resolved and has full confidence in the legal process.”
“He is presumed innocent,” Moore added, “and we will address this matter in Court. We ask that everyone respect the privacy of all involved throughout the process.”
