WASHINGTON -- There are no imminent plans to arrest Juwan Howard and Chris Webber, and police say they need more time to investigate the sexual assault complaint involving the Washington Wizards teammates.

Police

Police say there are no immediate plans to arrest either Juwan Howard, above, or teammate Chris Webber. (AP)

chief Carole Mehrling of Montgomery County, Md., responded Tuesday to remarks by Howard's lawyer. Attorney Billy Martin on Monday night disclosed details of his own investigation because of "rumors" that police wanted to arrest his client.

A CONNECTICUT WOMAN contends she was assaulted April 6 at Howard's suburban Maryland house during a party, attended by Howard and Webber. Neither has been charged and a grand jury is to hear the case Thursday.

"The police department ... seeks nothing more and nothing less than a complete and impartial investigation," Mehrling said. "Any assertions that there is a predisposition to make an arrest before that process runs its course is baseless."

Mehrling said her department is still trying to locate and interview the 40 or so people, many from out of state, who were at the party. She said an "undetermined amount of time" is needed to complete the investigation.

Martin had urged police not to "rush to judgment."

"We keep hearing rumors that Montgomery County would like to arrest Juwan, at least on the evidence that they have," he said.

MARTIN ALSO TRIED TO TURN THE FOCUS onto the accuser. He said his investigation had turned up someone who was an eyewitness to a "sex act" between the Connecticut woman and "a person we wish not to name at this time." He added that the sex was "initiated'' by the woman.

He gave few other details, and did not say whether the sex involved Howard or Webber.

Details of the woman's accusations have not been released because the case documents are sealed.

Webber and Howard have not met with police. Martin, speaking only on Howard's behalf, said he didn't believe it was in his client's best interest to allow him to be questioned.

Webber's lawyers did not return calls Tuesday.

THE INVESTIGATION APPEARS to have taken its toll on the Wizards, who were 0-3 and on the brink of elimination from the playoff race entering Tuesday night's game at New York.

The Wizards have been weakened by several major injuries, the latest to sixth man Tracy Murray. He said Tuesday he will have surgery in June to have bone chips and spurs removed from his right hip.

Murray has not missed a game this season and was expected to play the remaining games.