Video footage of Marshon Lattimore’s arrest in the corner of New Orleans Saints was released last month in his hometown of Cleveland.
Lattimore was charged with possession of a loaded handgun believed to have been stolen, a fourth-degree felony. He was also initially arrested for failing to notify officers of a concealed weapon.
The video shows that Lattimore did not immediately tell the officers that he was carrying a hidden weapon while sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle that had been pulled for traffic violations. But when asked if anyone was carrying a gun, Lattimore told them he had a loaded Smith & Wesson pistol tucked under his pants. He said he didn’t want to look like he was looking for something. He also told them he had a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
An officer warned Lattimore that “You’re going to shoot your master.” Another added, “Take a heel, brother.”
Officers also suggested that Lattimore and others in the car appeared to be smoking marijuana in abundance. When asked if he had drugs other than weeds, Lattimore said no.
Eventually, the officers realized who Lattimore was. And one of them said, “The amount of things you took in your place … it’s not like you’re a ching in F’-ing, bro.”
“I know, I’m not,” Lattimore replied. – I’m back home.
Lattimore spent two nights in Cuyahoga County Prison before being released on bail. The case then went to a grand jury to determine whether he would 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 handling of a firearm in a vehicle.
Lattimore, 24, is one of the NFL’s best defenders and is heading into the final year of his rookie contract with the Saints. He was selected for three Pro Bowls and was named Nook’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2017 after entering the first round in Ohio.