JONESBORO, Ark. — A 22-year-old Jonesboro man was arrested Tuesday after police reported finding a firearm in his jacket pocket near the Nettleton STEAM School.
According to a probable cause affidavit, officers were dispatched the afternoon of Oct. 20 to 2312 Promise Lane following a report of gunfire in the area. The location is approximately 800 feet from the middle school, which had about 330 students inside at the time.
While assisting with the security of the school’s exterior, an officer observed a man walking south about 60 feet from the building. The officer approached the man, later identified as Ryan Demetrius Johnson, and asked him for identification. Johnson provided a name and false date of birth on a piece of paper, the affidavit stated.
As the officer checked the information with dispatch, he reportedly noticed a firearm in Johnson’s jacket pocket. A deputy removed the weapon, and Johnson was taken into custody. He was transported to the Craighead County Detention Center, where he is being held on a $50,000 cash or surety bond. Craighead County District Judge Thomas Fowler found probable cause to detain Johnson on multiple charges, including possession of a firearm on school property, criminal impersonation, possession of a firearm by certain persons, and first-degree criminal mischief.
Johnson’s next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 23. Police also arrested another individual in connection with the shots-fired incident.
This investigation remains ongoing.