JONESBORO, Ark. — A man faces multiple charges, including a felony firearm offense, after Jonesboro police stopped him early Wednesday morning while he was riding a bicycle without a rear reflector, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Christopher Lee Bills, 33, has been charged with possession of a firearm by certain persons, a Class D felony, and resisting arrest and fleeing, both Class A misdemeanors. His first appearance paperwork also notes a bicycle equipment violation for the missing reflector.
The affidavit states police officers observed Bills near the intersection of Kazi Street and Phillips Drive at approximately 12:15 a.m. on Nov. 11. During the stop, Bills reportedly told officers he was neither on probation nor parole. A records check revealed he was serving a suspended imposition of sentence.
After being informed he would be searched, Bills disclosed that he had a handgun in his waistband, police said. Officers recovered a silver .40-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun. Upon confirming a prior felony conviction, police advised Bills he was under arrest. According to the affidavit, Bills claimed the firearm belonged to his brother.
Police allege that Bills attempted to flee the scene, pulling his arm away and running. An officer pursued Bills, ultimately bringing him to the ground, which resulted in an injury to the officer’s shoulder, the affidavit states. Bills allegedly got back up, pushed the officer, and swatted at him during the struggle. Police said a Taser was deployed twice before Bills complied and was arrested.
The officer involved reported damage to his uniform as well as a suspected shoulder separation but noted that a medical evaluation did not confirm any broken bones.
The affidavit also cited an August 2023 sentencing order against Bills for felony breaking or entering and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
On Thursday, Nov. 12, Special Judge Barbara Halsey found probable cause for Bills’ arrest and set his bond at $70,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 16 at the Craighead County Courthouse in Jonesboro.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.