Joseph Williams, a former running back for the San Francisco 49ers, has been arrested. He had put his talents to use as he tried to evade the police in a foot chase before being apprehended in West Hollywood on Wednesday, October 28.
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"Deputies first encountered Williams, 33, around 4 p.m. near La Brea and Fountain avenues during a possible speeding stop," the New York Post reports. "They let him go with a verbal warning, but later discovered he had an outstanding felony warrant for receiving stolen property."
It wasn't until the second time Williams was stopped by deputies that he decided to take off on foot. He was ultimately caught on Formosa Avenue, which is near Romaine Street. Williams was then arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property. He is also facing other charges of resisting or obstructing an officer, vandalism, trespassing, and violating the terms of probation or supervised release.
"Williams is being held on the felony warrant, with bail set at $50,000," the New York Post continued. "He was booked at the LASD West Hollywood Station and is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 2 at the LAX Superior Courthouse."
No further details regarding Williams' current legal issues have been made public at this time.
Joe Williams Spent Two Seasons With the San Francisco 49ers
Williams entered the NFL as the 121st selection in the 2017 NFL draft, going in the fourth round. He was selected by the San Francisco 49ers. Williams never played in an NFL game following the draft.
"More stubborn decision-makers might keep wishing and hoping that Williams would pan out," ESPN's Nick Wagoner wrote in 2018. "But when Williams combined injuries with a lack of production, the Niners decided to move on. Ideally, you wouldn't whiff on a fourth-round pick such as Williams, but hanging on to someone who wasn't working out only exacerbates the issue."
Williams was previously a standout high school football player who also put together a strong collegiate career. However, his move into the NFL didn't go according to plan. Unfortunately, it appears that things have taken a significant turn for the talented running back. Hopefully, he can get things back on track once his current legal issues are behind him.
