Mikey Williams, who was arrested Thursday in connection to a shooting March 27, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, has hired an attorney.

The 18-year-old Memphis basketball signee and senior at San Ysidro (Calif.) High School has retained Troy P. Owens Jr. to represent him, according to an open letter posted by Owens on Friday night on his Instagram account. Owens states in his letter that Williams "maintains his innocence and will cooperate with the criminal process."

Williams is facing five counts of assault with a deadly weapon and was released on $50,000 bail shortly after midnight Friday, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said in a news release. According to the release, the incident that led to Williams' arrest took place on March 27 at a house in the 2600 block of Bratton Valley Road just before midnight in Jamul, an unincorporated area in eastern San Diego County.

"There was a verbal argument about guests in the house being asked to leave," the release states. "Five people got into a car and as they were driving away, shots were fired. The car was hit, but no one was hurt."

In his open letter, Owens states a "disturbance" took place at the home Williams maintained as a residence and that it was initiated by "several uninvited individuals."

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“During the aftermath of this disturbance, there were reports of shots being fired," Owens' letter reads. "Mr. Williams is alleged to match the description of the shooter. He has posted bond and looks forward to addressing any allegations against him using the established procedures in our justice system.

“We are aware of several narratives being advanced online that are not factual and are designed to humiliate Mr. Williams. We are confident that the truth will come to light."

Williams is expected to appear in an El Cajon courtroom at 8 a.m. on April 20.

According to San Diego County Sheriff's Department, three of the occupants of the vehicle that was shot at on March 27 are minors. The sheriff's department declined to provide any further details, citing the ongoing investigation. It also declined to provide Williams' booking photo on the grounds that he does not pose an "immediate threat to public safety."

Text messages sent by The Commercial Appeal to Williams' father, Mahlon, as well as his uncle and business advisor, Patrick McCain, Friday morning were not immediately returned.

The University of Memphis issued a the following statement Friday morning: “We are aware of the situation and are gathering more information.”

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Mikey Williams attorney: Memphis signee 'maintains his innocence'