JONESBORO, Ark. — A man faces a felony firearm charge after Jonesboro police stopped him early Wednesday while he was riding a bicycle without a rear reflector, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Christopher Lee Bills faces a Class D felony charge of possession of a firearm by certain persons with a prior felony conviction and Class A misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and fleeing. His first appearance paperwork also lists a bicycle equipment violation.
The affidavit says officers spotted Bills near Kazi Street and Phillips Drive at about 12:15 a.m. Nov. 11. Bills told officers he was on neither probation nor parole. The affidavit says a records check showed he was serving a suspended imposition of sentence.
Police said Bills told officers he had a handgun in his waistband after they told him they would search him. Officers recovered a silver .40-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun. After officers confirmed a prior felony conviction and told Bills he was under arrest, he said the gun belonged to his brother, according to the affidavit.
Police allege Bills pulled his arm away and began to run. An officer took Bills to the ground and injured his shoulder in the process, the affidavit says. Police said Bills got back up, swatted at the officer and pushed him. Officers used a Taser twice before Bills submitted to arrest, according to the affidavit.
The officer reported damage to his uniform. A medical evaluation found no broken bones, though the officer reported a suspected shoulder separation, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit cites an August 2023 sentencing order for breaking or entering and criminal mischief.
Special Judge Barbara Halsey found probable cause for the arrest Thursday, Nov. 12, and bond was set at $70,000. Bills is scheduled to appear at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 16 at the Craighead County Courthouse in Jonesboro, according to the first appearance paperwork.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
SHARE THIS STORY WITH OTHERS:
Discover more from NEA Report
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
