JONESBORO, Ark. — A deputy responding to reports of gunfire discovered a loaded handgun in a man’s jacket pocket just 60 feet from a Jonesboro school housing nearly 330 students, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Ryan Demetrius Johnson, 22, is facing charges of possession of a handgun on school property, a Class D felony, as well as obstructing governmental operations, a Class C misdemeanor. His arrest stems from events on Oct. 20, when law enforcement officers were securing the school’s perimeter after receiving reports of possible shots fired on Promise Lane.
According to the affidavit, the deputy observed Johnson walking south approximately 60 feet from the school building. When questioned, Johnson stated he had come from a nearby residence but could not provide identification. Upon being asked to write down his name and birth year, Johnson reportedly gave a date that differed from his actual birth year by one year.
While verifying Johnson’s information, the deputy reported noticing a firearm in the front pocket of Johnson's jacket. The deputy then instructed him to remove his hands from his pockets, detained one of his arms, and called for assistance. Another deputy retrieved the weapon, and Johnson was placed in restraints and transported to the Craighead County Jail.
The affidavit does not allege Johnson discharged the weapon or provide further evidence that gunfire occurred near the school.
At a first-appearance hearing on Oct. 21, Judge Thomas Fowler found probable cause for Johnson’s detention and set his bond at $50,000 cash or surety. Johnson is ordered not to possess weapons as a condition of his release. Court documents indicate he was determined to be indigent or partially indigent, and a public defender has been appointed to represent him.
Johnson’s next court date is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 23 in Craighead County Circuit Court.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.