SAN DIEGO — The 18-year-old San Ysidro High School basketball star, Michael Anthony Williams, pleaded not guilty in court Thursday morning.
Williams was arrested last week in Jamul. He faces five charges of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of firing a deadly weapon at an occupied vehicle. He appeared in court virtually from an unknown location. His defense attorney appeared in person.
Williams remains out of custody on a $50,000 bail. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 28 years behind bars.
He was ordered to stay away from the five victims. He was also told he could not possess any firearms or ammunition.
"This situation is stressful for him," said defense attorney Troy Owens. "He’s trying as an 18-year-old to process this. And he’s doing ok under the current situation."
Owens would not say where Williams is located right now. He said the teen had received threats on social media and had security with him.
"There have been numerous threats that were made online. That gave us concern for his safety," said Owens.
Prosecutors said Williams is not receiving any special treatment, and all defendants facing certain charges have the right to choose to appear virtually.
Williams was arrested on April 13 at his home in the 2600 Block of Bratton Valley Road in Jamul, said Lt. Carpenter with San Diego Sheriff's Department.
San Diego Sheriff's Department said Williams was involved in an altercation at home on March 27 just after midnight.
According to San Diego Sheriff's Department Lieutenant Jeff Ford, Williams reportedly argued with guests in the house being asked to leave.
"Five people got into a car, and as they drove away, shots were fired. The car was hit, but no one was hurt," Lt. Ford said.
Three of the occupant of the vehicle were minors; two were adults.
"I am unaware of any relationship between those individuals and my client. There was no party at the house," said Owens.
The incident was reported to the Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station the next day, March 28.
A warrant was later served on April 13, when the incident occurred when Williams was arrested on several counts of assault with a deadly weapon.
CBS 8 spoke to a cousin of the 25-year-old driver of the vehicle that was hit with gunfire. The relative said the driver was an Uber driver, and the Sheriff's Department had impounded the vehicle. The relative said the car was hit at least twice in the rear of the vehicle.
Shortly after his release, the Instagram account belonging to basketball star Mikey Williams was deactivated. However, it has since been reactivated. Williams is committed to playing college basketball at the University of Memphis.
Williams was the No. 22 overall player in the 2023 class prospect per the 247Sports Composite when he committed to join the Memphis Tigers next season. He is currently ranked 26 nationally in his class.
The University of Memphis released a statement to CBS 8: "We are aware of the situation and are gathering more information."
According to published reports out of Memphis, the coach of the University of Memphis, Penny Hardaway, said as of right now, Williams is still going to be on the team.
Troy P. Olvens, Jr., the attorney retained to represent Williams related to his criminal proceedings, sent CBS 8 a statement last Friday stating in part, "I have reviewed information publicized by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, as well as multiple other news outlets.
The information reveals that last Thursday's arrest stems from a March 27, 2023, altercation at home in Jamul that Mr. Williams maintained as a residence. This altercation was initiated by several uninvited individuals entering the home and causing a disturbance.
During the aftermath of this disturbance, there were reports of shots being fired. Mr. Williams is alleged to match the description of the shooter. As a result, a search warrant was executed at home, and Mr. Williams was arrested. He has posted bond and looks forward to addressing any allegations against him using the established procedures in our justice system."
WATCH RELATED: San Ysidro basketball star Mikey Williams arrested and facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon (Apr 14, 2023)