Matt Barnes faces felony charge of threatening a police officer

Matt Barnes, a free-agent forward who spent the last two seasons with the Lakers, faces a felony charge of threatening a public official after being arrested Monday night, said Lt. Steve Tobias of the Manhattan Beach Police Dept.

Barnes was arrested in Manhattan Beach after an officer who was aware he had an outstanding warrant for a misdemeanor traffic violation approached him on foot, Tobias said. When the officer attempted to arrest Barnes, Tobias said, “Mr. Barnes did not cooperate and threatened” the officer.

Tobias declined to divulge what Barnes said to the officer.

Barnes posted $51,000 bail and was released late Monday. The outstanding warrant he faces was for driving on a suspended license, a misdemeanor violation for which Barnes owed $26,000.

Barnes, an unrestricted free agent who is not expected to be back with the Lakers next season, is scheduled to appear in Torrance Court on Oct. 1.

Barnes had another recent brush with the law in 2010, when he was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence involving his then-girlfriend, but charges were never filed.

UPDATE (7:29 a.m.) Barnes took to his Twitter account after the incident, clearly unhappy with hope the arrest and the public reaction.

“Funny how a small situation turns into a “Urban Legend”.. A $26,000 traffic ticket?? Come on now smh.. Have a good night.”

“Oh.. For all you perfect people out there looking at me w/your nose in the air, who have “NEVER” missed a court date for a “TRAFFIC VIOLATION” God Bless You...

Update (9:28 a.m.) The Lakers declined to comment on Barnes’ arrest.

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