Breaking News: Atlanta Hawks’ Shelden Williams Victim Of Car-Jacking

The Associated Press reports on the Hawks’ Shelden Williams getting carjacked before Saturday’s game:

Atlanta forward Shelden Williams was carjacked at gunpoint Saturday before the Hawks’ game against Charlotte.

Douglasville City Police said two suspects were arrested late Saturday afternoon at Arbor Place Mall in Douglas County, near Atlanta. The suspects were in Williams’ car and were attempting a robbery, according to an officer who answered the phone at the Douglasville Police Department.

The officer, who declined to give her name, said one suspect was taken to a hospital after suffering dog bites from the police canine unit during the arrest.

Hawks spokesman Arthur Triche says Williams provided police with the license plate number of the vehicle used by the carjackers, leading to a search that led to two suspects being arrested at a mall in Douglas County. Williams’ car was found at the scene.

"I’m just glad that he’s safe," Hawks coach Mike Woodson said.

"Cars and things like that, jewelry, money, all that can be replaced."

My Quick Take: Details are still emerging, so it’s not appropriate to comment on this specific situation. Thankfully, Williams wasn’t hurt.

One conclusion can be drawn: professional athletes are targets. Their wealth and fame makes them easy prey for criminals.

Over the summer, Antoine Walker was the victim of a home invasion. Last week, Jamaal Tinsley was shot at and now Williams gets car-jacked.

Some naively believe this problem is specific to the NBA. Well, they’re wrong. Sean Taylor, a member of the Washington Redskins, was recently killed at his house during a burglary. And several English Premier League soccer stars have been robbed, too.

HoopsVibe will have more on this story. In the meantime, let us know what you think about athletes being targets in the comment box below.

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