Watch CBS News

Former MSU Star Keith Appling Charged With Fleeing, Resisting Police In Latest Case

DETROIT (WWJ) - Former Michigan State basketball standout Keith Appling was arraigned Tuesday on several new charges in connection with his latest arrest following a traffic stop on Sunday on Detroit's east side.

Police said Appling was asked for his ID, and when he handed it over, he drove his car away while the officer still had his hand in the window. Police also claim that Appling threw a bag from his car, which was found in the area of 7 Mile and Russell with his full name printed on it and handgun inside.

Police followed Appling to the area of State Fair and Orleans where he was taken into custody.

The 24-year-old is now charged with fleeing and eluding third degree, carrying a concealed weapon, resisting and obstructing police, and felony firearm. Bond was set at $50,000 during the arraignment via video from jail.

Prosecutors asked for a high bond for Appling, saying he nearly dragged the police officer, but defense attorney Otis Culpepper says the $50K is right on the mark.

"I was concerned that the police might wanna make hay with this, because of the boy's notoriety, and put some ridiculous bond on him that would be prohibitive of him getting out," Culpepper told WWJ's Sandra McNeill and other reporters. "You know, and I was prepared to explain to them that this isn't treason, murder or rape — this is a gun case."

This is the third arrest this year for Appling, who already faces weapons and marijuana charges stemming from an incident outside a Dearborn strip club. He also has a gun charge in connection with a previous arrest in Detroit.

Culpepper says he'll make sure Appling stays away from all guns and bullets, as ordered by the judge.

"He'd better. You know, sometimes you need a little client control when you're a lawyer," Culpepper said. "So I feel assured that there will be no more pistols in this boy's life for the really near future."

Appling played in the NBA's development league after playing more than 140 games with MSU.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.