Key Points:
- XFL D.C. Defenders player Anthony “Pooka” Williams Jr. arrested following a police chase in Beaumont.
- Charges include evading arrest, unlawful weapon carrying, and trespassing.
- Williams, known for his time with Kansas Jayhawks and the Defenders, held on a $23,000 bond.
On Thursday, a high-speed police chase culminated in the arrest of XFL player Anthony “Pooka” Williams Jr. in Beaumont. The 24-year-old Louisiana native, who has played in professional football, including a stint with the D.C. Defenders, now faces multiple charges stemming from this incident.
The Beaumont Police Department initiated the pursuit at approximately 11:46 a.m. when officers noticed an eastbound black car without license plates on Interstate 10 South, near mile marker 840. Despite their attempts to stop the vehicle, the driver, later identified as Williams, accelerated away, leading to a dramatic chase.
The pursuit ended near Seventh Street when Williams lost control of the car, striking a curb and disabling the vehicle. He then fled on foot, leading officers through a nearby neighborhood. The incident escalated when Williams entered a residence, hiding in a bedroom closet before being apprehended by the police.
Authorities discovered a firearm and marijuana in Williams’ vehicle, adding to the severity of the charges. He was booked into the Jefferson County jail, with his bond totaling $23,000. The charges include evading arrest with a vehicle, unlawfully carrying a weapon, evading arrest on foot, and criminal trespass.
Before this incident, Williams was celebrated for his impressive career as a receiver for the Kansas Jayhawks, recording multiple 1,000-yard seasons. However, his journey to professional football was marred by challenges, including going undrafted in part due to a domestic battery charge in 2019. Despite a brief stint with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021, Williams found his stride in the XFL, playing for the D.C. Defenders and briefly for the St. Louis Battlehawks.
In the 2023 XFL season, Williams emerged as a key player for the Defenders, especially in their Northern Division Championship game victory over the Seattle Sea Dragons, where he showcased his skills with a 51-yard kickoff return.
This incident marks a significant turn in the career of Pooka Williams, a player who has navigated both highs and lows in his football journey. As the case develops, more information is expected to surface, offering further insights into this unexpected and concerning event.
