Hornets guard James Bouknight arrested for DWI after being found unconscious in parking deck

His arrest comes just days before the start of the Hornets’ 2022-23 regular season.
Charlotte Hornets player James Bouknight was arrested over the weekend for driving while impaired, authorities said.
Published: Oct. 17, 2022 at 1:11 PM EDT|Updated: Oct. 17, 2022 at 1:23 PM EDT
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – Charlotte Hornets player James Bouknight was arrested over the weekend for driving while impaired, authorities said.

According to information from the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, Bouknight was booked into jail at 1:51 a.m. on Sunday on the DWI charge. Bouknight’s bond was set at $2,500.

Police reports say Bouknight was found unconscious in a parking deck in Uptown Charlotte around 12:44 a.m. before he was arrested.

Police also confiscated a Glock 23 with 40 mm. It isn’t confirmed whether he is charged with possession of a firearm.

James Bouknight was arrested days before the start of the Hornets' 2022-23 regular season.
James Bouknight was arrested days before the start of the Hornets' 2022-23 regular season.(Source: Mecklenburg County Jail)

The 22-year-old guard, who played for the UConn Huskies prior to being drafted by the Hornets in 2021, was arrested just days before the team opens its 2022-23 regular season against the San Antonio Spurs.

“We are aware of the incident involving James Bouknight and are in the process of gathering additional information. We will have no further comment at this time,” the Charlotte Hornets tweeted.

Coach Steve Clifford said Bouknight did practice Monday. He added they are still gathering information and is not making any further comment at this time.

Bouknight has been arrested before in Mecklenburg County. He was most recently charged with reckless driving to endanger on Oct. 10, reckless driving-wanton disregard on Nov. 11, 2021, and again on Feb. 23, 2022.

His latest arrest comes after fellow Hornets player Miles Bridges was charged in Los Angeles County over the summer with domestic violence and child abuse.

Related: Hornets star Miles Bridges pleads not guilty to domestic violence, child abuse charges

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Bridges was due to appear in court on Monday.