Technically, Barnes had a Traffic Warrant so he could be arrested.
Truth be told the cop could have just told him to pay his ticket and kept it moving, but Super Cops like to get their name in the paper and do things like this.
The police officer who arrested ex-LA Lakers star Matt Barnes waited in an alley for 2 hours … waited for Barnes to exit a restaurant, and then charged the b-baller with felony resisting arrest — even though Barnes never got physically violent … law enforcement sources tell TMZ.
Our law enforcement sources say the arresting officer KNEW Barnes had an outstanding warrant as he watched the NBA forward and his baby mama park their car in a lot Monday night — and walk a block-and-a-half to MB Post, a popular restaurant in Manhattan Beach, CA — yet the cop did not approach the hoopster. Instead the officer waited in an alley near the car.
Nearly 2 hours later, Barnes and his chick left the restaurant and he signed autographs and posed for pictures as they walked to the car — as they approached the vehicle the cop pounced and told Barnes he was under arrest, but didn’t say why.
We’re told Barnes already had one hand behind his back as he attempted to hand his gf the keys with his other hand so she could drive home. Sources say the cop grabbed the hand with the keys and the Lakers champ pulled away. The cop then immediately informed Barnes he would be charged with resisting arrest.
The cop knew who Barnes was and obviously was aware of the traffic warrant. So, he waited so he could make a scene. Not unusual behavior for LAPD.
Barnes says that he wasn’t aware of the warrant which is probably true. In the end the whole case will be thrown out after Barnes pays his ticket.