Lightweight boxing champion Devin Haney is set to appear in court next month following his arrest in Los Angeles on Thursday morning for felony possession of a concealed weapon, according to multiple reports.
Haney’s arrest, first reported by TMZ, occurred around midnight after the reigning undisputed lightweight champ and his security detail left a restaurant. Haney, who was a passenger in the car, and his team were pulled over by police minutes later after the driver of the vehicle allegedly failed to use a turn signal and made an unsafe lane change.
The routine traffic stop took a turn after the driver told police there was a weapon in the car, prompting a search that resulted in the recovery of a semi-automatic handgun under the driver’s seat.
Authorities say none of the occupants took ownership of the gun, which led to the arrest and booking of Haney, 24, because the car was registered in his name. He was released at 8:12 a.m. on $35,000 bail, per TMZ.
ESPN later reported Haney is slated to appear for a hearing in L.A. on Aug. 3. In a statement shared with ESPN, Haney’s father, trainer and manager, Bill Haney, stated the situation was a “misunderstanding” and he is “confident” a resolution will be reached in court.
“It’s a misunderstanding that will be solved when Devin goes to court,” Haney told ESPN. “It’s unfortunate that he was arrested with his armed licensed security, and I’m confident things are going to be worked out.”
Haney (30–0, 15 knockouts) is coming off a successful defense of his WBC, IBF, WBO and Ring magazine lightweight titles on May 20, when he defeated challenger Vasily Lomachenko by unanimous decision.
