James Harden Arrested in Houston Over Alleged Unlawful Gun Possession, Then Released

James Harden, the Cleveland Cavaliers star, was arrested early Saturday morning in Houston, Texas, after being accused of unlawfully carrying a weapon inside a vehicle. He was booked on a charge of unlawful carry of a weapon, according to U.S. reports.

The Houston Chronicle reported that Harden was driving a Mercedes in downtown Houston as part of a five-car convoy when police stopped one of the vehicles. During the encounter, an officer noticed a gun in Harden’s car, visible in the cup-holder area and not stored in a holster, as required. Harden told officers the weapon was his, after which he was arrested and taken into custody.

He was later released after posting $100 bail. Court records show his next hearing is scheduled for June 22, when authorities are expected to review the next steps in the case. TMZ reported that the conditions of Harden’s release bar him from possessing firearms, ammunition or other weapons until the case is resolved, and also prohibit him from using, possessing or consuming alcohol, drugs, marijuana or dangerous medications unless prescribed by a doctor.

Harden, 36, has been one of the NBA’s most prominent players for the past 15 years. Selected third overall in the 2009 draft by Oklahoma City, he became a star with the Houston Rockets and later played for the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers before joining Cleveland. The Cavaliers were eliminated last month in the Eastern Conference finals by the New York Knicks.