Two men, including the brother of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, have been arrested on suspicion of unlawfully taking a vehicle belonging to a Los Angeles Lakers basketball player.
Arrest at West Hollywood Hotel
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, deputies tracked the vehicle – a newer-model BMW – to the One Hotel on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. Investigators established that the suspects had valeted the car and entered the hotel premises. Using security footage, authorities identified and arrested both men on Saturday afternoon.
The suspects were named as 27-year-old Samson Nacua, a professional footballer who has played in the United Football League (UFL) for the Michigan Panthers, and Trey Rose, also 27. The vehicle is registered to Lakers forward Adou Thiero.
Release and Ongoing Investigation
Sheriff's department jail records indicate the pair were released later that same night under California Penal Code Section 849(b). This provision allows for release when insufficient grounds exist to file a formal complaint at that moment. The department confirmed the investigation remains active.
It is currently unclear where or when the BMW was initially taken. Law enforcement has not commented on a potential motive, and it was not immediately known if either man has secured legal representation. NBC4 in Los Angeles first broke the news of the arrests.
Background of the Suspects
Samson Nacua, the older brother of Rams standout Puka Nacua, played collegiate football at both Utah and BYU. He has had stints in NFL training camps with the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints. Earlier this year, the UFL suspended him for one game following an altercation with a fan after a loss.
The arrest occurred during a week where his younger brother, Puka, garnered significant media attention for criticising NFL officials during a livestream.
The case highlights a surprising intersection of professional sports and alleged criminal activity in Los Angeles, with details expected to emerge as the sheriff's investigation progresses.
