Ex-Laker Matt Barnes Allegedly Targeted By Police In Traffic Violation Arrest

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Witnesses report former Laker Matt Barnes was unfairly targeted by police in his traffic violation arrest on Monday.

Barnes was taken into custody around 8:30 p.m. outside Shellback Tavern in Manhattan Beach.

Police had a warrant for his arrest for failing to appear in court on a ticket for driving with a suspended license.

He was charged with felony resisting arrest after allegedly threatening an officer.

TMZ reports witnesses saw the arresting officer waiting near Barnes' car for hours, watching the basketball player as he and his child's mother walked in and out of the restaurant multiple times.

Only on their last time outside did Barnes get arrested.

Witnesses said Barnes was trying to hand his wife his keys, and that's when the officer said he'd get charged for resisting arrest.

Barnes was not intoxicated.

On Twitter, Barnes called it a small situation that turned into something large.

He's due in court in Torrance on Oct. 1.

The unrestricted free agent has spent the past two seasons with the Lakers and ten years in the NBA.