A former San Francisco 49ers draft pick is facing multiple criminal allegations following an arrest in West Hollywood, California. Joseph Williams, 33, was taken into custody on October 28 after allegedly fleeing from Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies during a second encounter with law enforcement. He is being held on $50,000 bail, with a court appearance scheduled for November 2, 2026.
What Happened
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department account reported by multiple news outlets, deputies first encountered Williams at approximately 4 p.m. on October 28 near La Brea and Fountain avenues in West Hollywood. The initial stop involved a possible speeding violation. Deputies released him after giving him a verbal warning.
Authorities subsequently discovered an outstanding felony warrant connected to an allegation of receiving stolen property. That discovery prompted deputies to stop Williams for a second time.
During the second encounter, Williams allegedly got out of his vehicle and ran from deputies rather than surrendering. Officers pursued him through the neighborhood and eventually caught up with him on Formosa Avenue near Romaine Street, where he was taken into custody.
The incident attracted attention because Williams previously entered the NFL as a fourth-round draft selection by the San Francisco 49ers. His arrest, however, concerns allegations that must be addressed through the criminal justice system rather than his former professional football career.
The Facts Confirmed
Reports from NBC Los Angeles, the New York Post and other outlets identify the following circumstances surrounding the arrest:
- Identity: Joseph Sterling Williams, commonly identified as Joseph or Joe Williams, is 33 years old.
- Location: The incident occurred in West Hollywood, Los Angeles County, California.
- Date: Deputies encountered Williams on October 28, 2026.
- Outstanding warrant: Authorities discovered a felony warrant relating to receiving stolen property.
- Bail: Williams was being held on $50,000 bail.
- Court appearance: His next scheduled appearance is November 2, 2026, at the LAX Superior Courthouse.
Williams was booked on suspicion of receiving stolen property, resisting or obstructing an officer, vandalism, trespassing, and violating the terms of probation or supervised release. These are allegations associated with the arrest and booking, not convictions.
The available reporting does not establish the specific conduct underlying every allegation. It also does not provide a detailed account of the original receiving-stolen-property case associated with the outstanding warrant.
Impact on the Team or Competition
Williams' arrest does not involve an active 49ers roster member, and the reports do not identify any immediate consequences for the team's current football operations.
San Francisco selected Williams in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, with the 121st overall selection, after his college career at the University of Utah. His selection was particularly notable because head coach Kyle Shanahan strongly advocated for bringing him to the organization.
Williams never appeared in a regular-season game for San Francisco, according to 49ers Webzone. An ankle injury placed him on injured reserve during his rookie season, and the organization waived him on August 31, 2018.
For NFL fans, the arrest is therefore primarily a development involving a former draft prospect rather than a current player. There is no reported change to the 49ers' schedule, roster or competitive position connected to the incident.
How the Club or Athlete Responded
The reporting available from the New York Post, NBC Los Angeles and 49ers Webzone focuses on the circumstances of the arrest and Williams' football history. None of the supplied reports includes a statement from Williams addressing the allegations.
Likewise, no official response from the San Francisco 49ers is included in the available coverage. Williams was released by the organization in 2018, several years before the October 2026 arrest.
One notable detail from his draft history is Shanahan's determination to select him in 2017. According to 49ers Webzone, the coach told general manager John Lynch, "I'm telling you right now: If we don't get him, I'll be sick." That recollection illustrates the expectations surrounding Williams when he entered the organization, although his professional tenure ultimately ended without a regular-season appearance for San Francisco.
What Happens Next
The immediate next step is Williams' scheduled court appearance on November 2, 2026. Canyon News reports that the hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. at LAX Superior Court, Department A. Other coverage confirms November 2 as the scheduled court date.
The proceedings will provide an opportunity for the case to move through the judicial process. The outstanding felony warrant, the allegations recorded during booking and the circumstances of the alleged foot pursuit are separate matters that may be addressed through subsequent proceedings.
As of the supplied reports, Williams remained in custody on $50,000 bail. No confirmed plea, court ruling or final outcome is included in the available reporting. His legal position should therefore be understood in the context of pending allegations, not established guilt.
For readers following the case, the November 2 appearance is the next confirmed date to watch. Further information about the allegations, any court decisions and Williams' response will depend on developments in the proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was former 49ers player Joe Williams arrested?
Joseph Williams was arrested after allegedly fleeing from Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies in West Hollywood. Authorities had discovered an outstanding felony warrant for receiving stolen property.
When was Joseph Williams arrested?
Williams was arrested on October 28, 2026, after a foot pursuit in West Hollywood, California.
What charges is Joe Williams facing?
He was 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?
Williams' bail was set at $50,000, according to the available arrest reports.
When is Joe Williams' next court appearance?
His next scheduled court appearance is November 2, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at LAX Superior Court, Department A, according to Canyon News.
Did Joe Williams play regular-season games for the 49ers?
No. According to 49ers Webzone, Williams never appeared in a regular-season game for San Francisco. The team selected him in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft and waived him on August 31, 2018, after an injury-affected rookie season.