Bicycle Stop Leads to Foot Chase, Felony Gun Allegation in Jonesboro

JONESBORO, Ark. — A stop over a missing bicycle light led to a foot chase and an officer using a Taser twice before Jonesboro police arrested a man accused of possessing a handgun despite a prior felony conviction, according to court records.

Jahiem Fowler faces an allegation of possession of a firearm by certain persons, a Class B felony. His first-appearance paperwork also lists misdemeanor allegations of marijuana possession, fleeing and resisting arrest, along with a bicycle-light violation.

According to a probable cause affidavit dated Oct. 8, an officer saw Fowler riding a bicycle on a public street without a white front light about 9:20 p.m. Oct. 7.

The affidavit describes Fowler as “immediately confrontational” when the officer made contact. It says Fowler was wearing a rubber glove, which the officer cited as raising suspicion of criminal activity.

The officer reported noticing signs that Fowler might run and warned him that force could be used if he did. Fowler refused to stand in front of the marked patrol vehicle, then fled on foot, according to the affidavit.

The officer pursued Fowler, maintained sight of him and used a Taser, the affidavit states. Fowler removed his backpack and tried to get up to flee again, prompting the officer to use the Taser a second time, according to the account.

Fowler then complied and told the officer he had a gun and marijuana, the affidavit says.

Police reported finding a Hi-Point handgun and Fowler’s wallet with identification inside the backpack. The affidavit says officers found 1.06 grams of marijuana in a Swisher Sweets package on his person.

The affidavit states Fowler was on probation with inactive supervision and had prior convictions for aggravated assault and breaking or entering from May 24, 2024. It describes his prior felony history as the basis for the firearm allegation.

An Oct. 9 court order set bond at $75,000 cash or surety. His first-appearance paperwork lists his next court date as 8:30 a.m. Nov. 23 at the Craighead County Courthouse in Jonesboro.

The allegations have not been proven in court. Fowler is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Read the probable cause affidavit and court records.