Zach Randolph arrested on marijuana charge in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES — The Latest on the arrest of NBA star Zach Randolph (all times local):

8:30 a.m.

Police say veteran NBA star Zach Randolph was arrested on a marijuana charge after several police cars were vandalized when a large gathering became unruly at a Los Angeles housing project.

Officer Liliana Preciado says the 36-year-old forward was taken into custody late Wednesday on suspicion of possession of marijuana with intent to sell. A second man was also arrested.

Randolph’s agent and attorney Raymond Brothers said Thursday that the charges are false and misleading.

Police on patrol saw a crowd drinking and blocking streets at the Nickerson Gardens project in Watts.

Officers called for backup when the crowd grew and people began throwing bottles. Several police cars ended up with smashed windows and slashed tires.

Randolph, a 16-year NBA veteran, spent eight seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies before signing with the Sacramento Kings in July.

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7 a.m.

Authorities say two men were arrested and several police cars were vandalized after a large gathering became unruly at a Los Angeles housing project.

Officer Liliana Preciado says police on patrol late Wednesday observed a crowd drinking, smoking marijuana and blocking streets at the Nickerson Gardens project in Watts.

She says officers called for backup when the crowd grew and people began throwing bottles and rocks.

Five police cars and one sheriff’s vehicle ended up with smashed windows and slashed tires. No officers were hurt.

Preciado says police arrested Stanley Walton on suspicion of carrying a gun as an ex-convict and Zach Randolph on suspicion of possession of marijuana for sale. She didn’t know if either man has an attorney.

Police also recovered two guns and impounded two cars.