In June 2016, Howery was a passenger in a vehicle that struck another car in University Village, Chicago. The driver in the other car argued with Howery and called 9-1-1, claiming that Howery had punched him in the face."Celebrity File". Daily Post (Palo Alto, California). June 21, 2016. p. 26. The driver of the car in which Howery was riding drove away without him. Police officers arrested Howery on a charge of misdemeanor battery, but he was found not guilty.{Moreno, Nereida (June 20, 2016). "Chicago comic-actor Lil Rel Howery charged with battery". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 22, 2018.Swartz, Tracy (September 8, 2018). "Lil Rel Howery's TV success comes amid real-life drama". Chicago Tribune. The driver sued Howery for injuries suffered during the fight.
