Joe Williams Arrested, Former 49ers RB Held On $50K Bail

Former San Francisco 49ers running back Joe Williams, identified as Joseph Williams by authorities, was arrested in West Hollywood, California, after allegedly running from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies during a second traffic-related encounter.

The arrest happened on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Williams, 33, first came to deputies’ attention around 4 p.m. near La Brea Avenue and Fountain Avenue over a possible speeding violation. Deputies reportedly released him with a verbal warning.

Deputies then discovered an outstanding felony warrant for receiving stolen property. When they tried to stop him again, Williams allegedly got out of his vehicle and ran on foot. Deputies caught him near Formosa Avenue and Romaine Street.

He was booked on suspicion of five offenses: receiving stolen property, resisting or obstructing an officer, vandalism, trespassing, and violating probation or supervised release. Reports put his bail at $50,000, with a court appearance set for Monday, November 2, 2026, at the LAX Superior Courthouse.

An arrest, a booking allegation and a conviction are three different things. The public reports reviewed for this article do not include a criminal complaint, the case number behind the felony warrant, or any court finding that Williams committed an offense. He is presumed innocent.

Joe Williams Arrest: Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Person arrested	Joseph Sterling Williams, known as Joe Williams (name per Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department jail records, as reported by Canyon News)
Age	33
Former team	San Francisco 49ers (running back)
Arrest date	October 28, 2026
Arrest location	West Hollywood, California
First stop	Near La Brea Avenue and Fountain Avenue, about 4 p.m.
Where deputies caught him	Formosa Avenue near Romaine Street
Reason for second stop	Outstanding felony warrant for receiving stolen property
Type of pursuit	Foot pursuit (no vehicle chase reported)
Booked at	Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, West Hollywood Station
Booking allegations	Receiving stolen property; resisting or obstructing an officer; vandalism; trespassing; probation or supervised-release violation
Reported bail	$50,000
Next reported court date	Monday, November 2, 2026, LAX Superior Courthouse
Conviction in this incident	None
Plea reported	None
Civil lawsuit or settlement	None publicly announced

What Happened During the Joe Williams Arrest in West Hollywood?

According to the Sheriff’s Department account reported by NBC Los Angeles, deputies first stopped Williams around 4 p.m. on Wednesday near La Brea Avenue and Fountain Avenue for a possible speeding violation. That stop ended with a verbal warning.

Deputies then learned of the outstanding felony warrant and stopped him a second time. Williams allegedly got out of the car and ran. This was a foot pursuit, not a vehicle chase. Deputies caught up with him on Formosa Avenue near Romaine Street and took him into custody.

Did Joe Williams try to enter a house during the pursuit?

Some secondary reports claim that Williams tried to get into a home or jumped fences during the chase. The Sheriff’s Department account carried by NBC Los Angeles does not describe an attempted entry, damaged property or a named homeowner. The public reports also do not explain what conduct led to the vandalism and trespassing allegations. Without a police report or complaint, this article does not state what happened at any residence.

Why Was Joe Williams Wanted on a Felony Warrant for Receiving Stolen Property?

Deputies reportedly found that Williams was wanted on a felony warrant involving receiving stolen property. The arrest was therefore not based only on the decision to run. A separate court-issued warrant already existed.

The public reports do not identify what property was involved, who owned it, when the alleged offense occurred, its value, the court case number, or whether the warrant arose from a missed court date or another event. A warrant shows that a court authorized an arrest. It does not establish guilt.

In California, arrest warrants on felony complaints are governed by Penal Code § 813, and an officer may arrest a person on a warrant under Penal Code § 836.

What does receiving stolen property mean under California Penal Code § 496(a)?

Penal Code § 496(a) makes it a crime to buy, receive, conceal, sell or withhold property that was obtained by theft or extortion, while knowing the property was stolen. Prosecutors must prove the property was stolen and that the person knew it.

Penalties depend on the facts. Where the property’s value is $950 or less, the offense is generally charged as a misdemeanor (county jail up to one year), subject to exceptions for certain prior convictions. In other cases the offense is a “wobbler” that can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, with felony punishment served in county jail under Penal Code § 1170(h) unless a disqualifying factor applies. Because the property and case are not public, there is not enough information to estimate any potential punishment.

Former 49ers Running Back Joe Williams Arrested in West Hollywood, Felony Warrant, Foot Chase and $50,000 Bail

What Are the Five Allegations Joe Williams Was Booked On in California?

NBC Los Angeles reported that Williams was booked on suspicion of five offenses. These are booking allegations. They do not prove that a prosecutor has filed five counts or that a court found him guilty.

Reported allegation	General California law	Typical classification
Receiving stolen property	Penal Code § 496(a)	Misdemeanor or felony, depending on value and history
Resisting or obstructing an officer	Penal Code § 148(a)(1)	Misdemeanor
Vandalism	Penal Code § 594	Misdemeanor or felony, depending on damage amount
Trespassing	Penal Code § 602	Generally a misdemeanor or infraction, depending on subdivision
Probation or supervised-release violation	Penal Code § 1203.2 (probation); separate rules for post-release supervision	Court proceeding, not a new crime by itself

The reports reviewed do not confirm the exact subsections tied to each booking allegation.

Receiving stolen property (Penal Code § 496)

This is the most significant allegation because it is also the basis of the felony warrant. The elements are explained above. The public record does not reveal the property or the evidence behind the warrant.

Resisting or obstructing an officer (Penal Code § 148(a)(1))

Penal Code § 148(a)(1) makes it a misdemeanor to willfully resist, delay or obstruct a peace officer who is lawfully performing or attempting to perform official duties. The maximum penalty is up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Prosecutors must show, among other elements, that the officer was acting lawfully. The allegation appears tied to the reported foot pursuit, but the reports do not describe the specific conduct.

Vandalism (Penal Code § 594)

Penal Code § 594 covers maliciously defacing, damaging or destroying property that belongs to another person. If the damage is $400 or more, the offense can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor. Below $400 it is a misdemeanor. The reports identify no property, damage amount or complaining owner, so this article reports no dollar figure or felony classification.

Trespassing (Penal Code § 602)

Penal Code § 602 lists many forms of trespass, such as entering or occupying property without consent or refusing to leave after being asked. The reports do not say which subdivision applies.

Probation or supervised-release violation (Penal Code § 1203.2)

Under Penal Code § 1203.2, a court may revoke or modify probation if a person violates its conditions. A violation is decided by a judge in a separate proceeding, usually under a lower standard of proof than a criminal trial. The public reports do not identify the earlier case, the conditions Williams was under, or the conduct alleged to violate them.

Is Joe Williams Facing New Felony Charges?

The public reporting confirms an outstanding felony warrant for receiving stolen property and several booking allegations from the pursuit. It does not provide a filed complaint or a case number identifying every formal count.

A booking record is not the same as a prosecutor-filed complaint. Prosecutors may review the evidence and decide which charges, if any, to file. The warrant explains why deputies sought to take Williams into custody. The other allegations concern what authorities say happened during the second encounter. Until a complaint or court record shows otherwise, the accurate description is that Williams was arrested on the felony warrant and booked on suspicion of the listed offenses.

Why Was Joe Williams’ Bail Set at $50,000 in Los Angeles County?

News reports said Williams was held on $50,000 bail. Bail is money or security that helps ensure a defendant returns to court. It is not a fine, a conviction or payment to anyone.

In California, bail is set under a county bail schedule (Penal Code § 1269b) and may be reviewed by a judge. Article I, section 12 of the California Constitution addresses the right to bail, and courts must consider public safety and the likelihood of appearance. Under In re Humphrey (2021), a court must also consider a defendant’s ability to pay and consider non-monetary conditions. The $50,000 figure does not mean the court has decided the allegations are true. No verified report showed that Williams had posted bail or been released as of November 1, 2026.

When Is Joe Williams Due in Court at the LAX Superior Courthouse?

News reports say Williams is scheduled to appear on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the LAX Superior Courthouse. The reports reviewed give no case number, judge or independently verified docket entry.

What could happen at Joe Williams’ first court appearance?

If the appearance is an arraignment, the court tells the defendant the formal charges and rights, addresses legal representation, and considers bail or release conditions. A defendant may enter a plea after speaking with counsel. In California, a person arrested on a felony must generally be brought before a magistrate within 48 hours, excluding court-closed days (Penal Code § 825). If a felony case proceeds, a preliminary hearing is generally held within 10 court days for a defendant in custody who does not waive time (Penal Code § 859b), followed by pretrial motions, negotiations and possibly trial.

The first appearance does not mean Williams will be convicted or sentenced on November 2. Readers can search for public information in the Los Angeles Superior Court criminal case search.

Who Is Joe Williams? His Utah and San Francisco 49ers Football Career

San Francisco selected Williams in the fourth round (121st overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft out of the University of Utah. His final college season, in 2016, was strong. According to the 49ers’ draft announcement, he rushed for 1,407 yards and 10 touchdowns that season and gained 222 yards with a touchdown in the Foster Farms Bowl, where he was named the game’s MVP. Across two seasons at Utah, he totaled 1,884 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in 19 games.

Before Utah, college coverage reported that Williams was dismissed from the University of Connecticut football program and later attended a junior college. He also reportedly stepped away from Utah’s team briefly in 2016 before returning late in the season.

Did Joe Williams ever play a regular-season game for the San Francisco 49ers?

No. The 49ers placed Williams on injured reserve with an ankle injury before the 2017 season, and he did not appear in a regular-season game for the team. Some coverage mentions “19 games over two seasons,” but those games were at Utah, not with the 49ers. San Francisco released Williams on August 30, 2018, according to the team’s transaction records, more than eight years before this arrest.

Is the San Francisco 49ers organization involved in the arrest?

No. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department handled the arrest, and Williams was not on the 49ers roster at the time. The reports reviewed show no involvement by the team or the NFL, and no public evidence links his football career to the current allegations.

Could Joe Williams Sue Over the Arrest Under 42 U.S.C. § 1983?

An arrest does not automatically create a civil-rights claim. A person who believes officers violated constitutional rights may, depending on the evidence, bring a claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 or California law. Here, reports say deputies found an outstanding felony warrant before the second stop, and a valid warrant can supply a legal basis for arrest. Any claim about the pursuit would depend on evidence about what officers did, whether force was used and whether anyone was injured. No civil lawsuit over the October 28 arrest has been publicly announced.

For related coverage, AllAboutLawyer has reported on the Josh Jacobs Lawsuit, Packers Running Back Sues to Block Release of Police Video and Evidence in Wisconsin Battery Case. A separate California police encounter is discussed in Blueface Reportedly Detained During Kick Livestream in Santa Clarita, What the Sheriff’s Station Confirmed, California Penal Code 148 and His Criminal Case History. For an example of how an arrest and later outcome can differ, see Levi Trumbull Lawsuit Update, Sober Driver Arrested For DUI, Then Charges Dropped, The Levi Trumbull Case. These matters involve different facts and legal standards.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Joe Williams Arrest

Why was former 49ers player Joe Williams arrested in West Hollywood?

Deputies reportedly discovered an outstanding felony warrant for receiving stolen property after an initial traffic stop. During a second encounter, Williams allegedly ran from deputies on foot and was arrested.

When was Joe Williams arrested?

He was arrested on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in West Hollywood, California.

Did Joe Williams lead police on a car chase?

No car chase was reported. He allegedly left his vehicle and ran on foot.

What was the felony warrant against Joe Williams for?

The warrant reportedly involved receiving stolen property. The public reports do not identify the property, its value or the case number.

What was Joe Williams booked on suspicion of?

Receiving stolen property, resisting or obstructing an officer, vandalism, trespassing, and violating probation or supervised-release conditions.

How much is Joe Williams’ bail?

Reports list bail at $50,000. No later release has been confirmed.

When is Joe Williams’ next court date?

Monday, November 2, 2026, at the LAX Superior Courthouse, according to news reports.

Is Joe Williams still with the San Francisco 49ers?

No. San Francisco released him in August 2018.

Did Joe Williams play in an NFL regular-season game for the 49ers?

No. He spent his rookie season on injured reserve and never appeared in a regular-season game for the team.

Has Joe Williams been convicted?

No conviction connected to the October 28, 2026 arrest has been reported. The allegations remain unproven.

Has Joe Williams entered a plea?

No plea was reported before his scheduled November 2 appearance.

Is there a lawsuit or settlement tied to the Joe Williams arrest?

No civil lawsuit, class action or settlement has been announced.

Sources and Legal References

Arrest and current reporting

49ers career records

Court and legal references

Los Angeles Superior Court, Criminal Case Name Search
California Courts, Criminal Arraignment and Defendant Rights
California Penal Code § 496, Receiving Stolen Property
California Penal Code § 148, Resisting, Delaying or Obstructing an Officer
California Penal Code § 594, Vandalism
California Penal Code § 602, Trespassing
Also referenced: California Penal Code §§ 813, 825, 836, 859b, 1170(h), 1203.2 and 1269b; Cal. Const. art. I, § 12; In re Humphrey (2021) 11 Cal.5th 135; 42 U.S.C. § 1983.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. The arrest and booking allegations do not establish guilt. Joseph Williams is presumed innocent unless and until the prosecution proves the charges in court.

Researched and written by Israr Ahmad, legal content researcher and founder of AllAboutLawyer.com. All facts verified against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department account as reported by NBC Los Angeles and other news outlets, the San Francisco 49ers’ official transaction records, and the California Penal Code, as of November 1, 2026. Last Updated: November 1, 2026.

About the Author

Israr Ahmad is a legal content researcher with 4+ years of experience covering class action settlements and consumer rights cases. He has researched and published coverage of 2,500+ settlements using verified court records, settlement administrator filings, and government sources. Learn more about Israr.