Gun Tossed From Vehicle During Traffic Stop, Police Say

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro man was arrested after police said he threw a firearm out of a vehicle window during a traffic stop.

Nehemia Johnson, 23, of Jonesboro, was arrested for possession of a firearm by certain persons, a Class B felony; tampering with evidence, a Class D felony; fleeing on foot, a Class C felony; no driver’s license; and no proof of liability insurance.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Jonesboro police made a traffic stop June 21 at Main and Church for no insurance. The driver, identified as Johnson, exited the vehicle and tried to walk away from the stop, the affidavit said.

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As an officer returned to the vehicle, police said he saw Johnson bend down and place a firearm behind the passenger-side front tire. The officer then had Johnson return to him, and Johnson retrieved the firearm and threw it inside the passenger-side window, according to the affidavit.

Police said Johnson then ran from the officer and fled the scene. He was located a short time later and taken into custody without further incident.

The affidavit said Johnson was on felony probation for a violent crime and was not allowed to possess firearms.

Johnson’s next court date is July 30.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.