Video footage has been released of Marshon Lattimore’s arrest in his hometown of Cleveland last month.
Lattimore was charged with possessing a loaded gun that was believed to have been stolen, which is a fourth degree felony. He was also initially arrested for failing to notify agents of a hidden weapon.
The video shows that Lattimore did not immediately tell officers that he was carrying a concealed weapon while sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle that had been detained for traffic violations. But when they asked if anyone was carrying a gun, Lattimore said he had a loaded Smith & Wesson gun under his pants. He said he didn’t want to look like he was reaching for anything. He also told them he was licensed to carry a concealed weapon.
An officer warned Lattimore, “You’re going to shoot your thunder.” Another added, “Get a holster, mate.”
Officers also suggested that Lattimore and others in the car appeared to be smoking an abundance of marijuana. When asked if he was on drugs in addition to weed, Lattimore said no.
Eventually, agents realized who Lattimore was. And one of them said, “The amount of stuff you have in front of you … it’s not like you’re an asshole, bro.”
“I know, I don’t,” Lattimore replied. “I just got home.”
Lattimore spent two nights in Cuyahoga County Jail before being released on bail. The case would then go to a grand jury to determine whether he will be formally charged.
Two additional passengers, Kenyon Moon and Maurice Walton, were arrested on charges of having weapons while disabled. The driver, Carl Willis, was arrested on charges of improper use of a firearm in a motor vehicle.
Lattimore, 24, is one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks, heading into the final year of his rookie contract with the Saints. He has been selected for three Pro Bowls and was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2017 after being called up from Ohio State in the first round.