Cavs' West faces more weapons charges in Maryland
By SARAH KARUSH
WASHINGTON (AP) - Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West was
indicted Tuesday on additional weapons and traffic charges stemming
from his Sept. 17 arrest for speeding on a motorcycle and carrying
multiple weapons.
The eight-count indictment sheds no new light on why West, 26,
was riding a motorcycle on the Capital Beltway in Prince George's
County, Md., at 10 p.m. with two loaded handguns and a loaded
shotgun. Prosecutors on Wednesday added an 8 1/2-inch Bowie knife
to the list of concealed weapons West was carrying.
It's illegal in Maryland to carry concealed weapons and to
transport loaded handguns.
West was indicted on two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon,
two counts of carrying a handgun, two counts of transporting a
handgun, and one count each of reckless driving and negligent
driving. The charges are all misdemeanors. Each of the weapons
counts carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.
West was initially charged with just two counts of carrying a
handgun and with driving in excess of reasonable and prudent speed.
Court records don't list a lawyer for West. His agent, Noah
Croom, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
West has been treated in the past for bipolar disorder, and last
week his wife filed a domestic violence report against him in Ohio.
No charges have been filed in that incident.
West, who could still face a league suspension over the charges
in Maryland, made his season debut during Saturday night's 90-79
win against Charlotte, scoring 13 points in 24 minutes.
After the arrest, West reported to training camp on time but
missed the team's first four practices without an excuse. He
returned, but then left the team for a week to deal with personal
matters. He missed all eight preseason games and Cleveland's first
three regular-season games.
West, who lives in Brandywine, Md., was riding a Can-Am Spyder
motorcycle when he cut off a police officer on the beltway in Upper
Marlboro, authorities said. The officer pulled him over, and the
weapons were discovered.
Prince George's County State's Attorney Glenn Ivey said West
will likely be arraigned by the end of the week, and the case could
go to trial early next year.
11/03/09 16:41
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