Hunter
10/11/22
A Cedar Rapids man who was allegedly under the influence was arrested after it was discovered he was carrying a loaded pistol.
At around 1:15 Sunday morning, 22-year-old Justin Johnson of Johnson Avenue Northwest was allegedly seen in the alleyway near the Sports Column on South Dubuque Street removing a pistol from his waistband. He saw officers as he was doing so, and quickly put the pistol back in his waistband. An officer attempted contact, but Johnson reportedly fled.
A foot chase ensued, during which Johnson allegedly removed the pistol from his waistband and threw it on a sidewalk near several bar patrons.
Johnson was eventually detained, and submitted to a post-arrest PBT showing his blood-alcohol level at .129 percent. Johnson reportedly admitted consuming beer and stated that he carried the firearm for his protection.
The firearm was recovered and determined to be a loaded Glock 45 without a round chambered.
Johnson faces charges of being a Person Ineligible to Carry Dangerous Weapons, Public Intoxication, and Interference with Official Acts involving a Firearm. If convicted on all counts, Johnson faces a maximum prison term of over six years.