Los Angeles: Lawrence Phillips, a former player with the National Football League, was arrested yesterday for attempted murder.
On Sunday, August 21, at about 1:45 p.m., Phillips was playing football with a group of men, including 2 juveniles, at Exposition Park near Menlo Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles. A dispute arose between Phillips and the players, prompting Phillips to leave the game. He returned to the field, driving a black Honda onto the grass and rushing at the players. He steered the vehicle directly into the group, striking 3 of the 6 people.
After hitting the victims, Phillips left the area and was followed in an unmarked vehicle by Public Safety officers, whose jurisdiction includes Exposition Park. The officers stopped Phillips’ vehicle near the intersection of Crocker Streetand Vernon Avenue, where they waited for police from the LAPD’s Southwest Area to arrive. LAPD officers reached the location and took Phillips into custody. They discovered that he had an outstanding felony warrant for domestic violence issued by the City of Beverly Hills. Officers also determined that the vehicle Phillips was driving had been previously reported stolen in San Diego.
Of the three people struck by Phillips, two received minor injuries and one sustained moderate injuries. None of the injuries was life threatening.
Phillips was charged with attempted murder and is being held without bail. He will be transferred to the custody of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department tomorrow. He is a male Black. His birth date is 5-12-75.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call Southwest Area Detective Darryl Vest at 213-485-6571 during normal business hours. After hours or on weekends, please phone the toll free 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (877-529-3855).