A traffic stop in Houston early Saturday morning resulted in the arrest of NBA star James Harden, local authorities confirmed.
The Houston Police Department disclosed to The California Post on Monday that Harden was stopped around 3 a.m. for a traffic violation on a downtown Houston street.
During the stop, “The driver of the vehicle identified himself as James Harden,” a police spokesperson stated, adding that the athlete was subsequently arrested for the unlawful carrying of a weapon.
Court records reveal that Harden had a handgun in his car, which was visible and not secured in a holster. He was officially detained at 3:41 a.m. and charged with a misdemeanor for unlawful weapon possession.
A mugshot released by the Houston Police Department on Monday shows Harden dressed in a black T-shirt, displaying a serious expression.
Harris County records show Harden was released from jail on bond later Saturday morning and given an arraignment date of June 22.
However, the records also show that hearing date was rescheduled on Monday to Aug. 3.
Harden, according to the records, has hired high-powered Texas attorney Rusty Hardin to represent him in the case. Hardin has previously repped several famous professional athletes, including Deshaun Watson when the NFL quarterback was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple massage therapists.
Messages to Hardin and his office for comment on Harden’s case were not immediately returned.
Harden, a former Los Angeles Clipper who currently plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers, has deep ties to Houston — he played nine seasons with the Rockets earlier in his NBA career.
Sources told The Post he had been out at a local hookah lounge with a large group of his friends before his arrest occurred.