In Marion, a routine traffic stop turned into a chase early this morning, ultimately resulting in the removal of a significant quantity of drugs from the streets.
In the early hours of July 6, Marion police officers made an attempt to stop a car on South Washington Street. According to the officers, the car initially complied and pulled over to the side of the road. However, the driver suddenly accelerated and took off at a high speed.
According to authorities, Courtney Johnson, a 37-year-old suspect, reportedly drove towards Lincoln Boulevard after heading east on 30th Street. The police revealed that Johnson was responsible for causing a hit-and-run accident with a moped rider, forcing them off the road.
According to police, Johnson persisted in speeding, ultimately resulting in a collision with a tree in the vicinity of Tri-County Storage on East 54th Street. Following the crash, Johnson fled from the scene and ran approximately 60 yards before being apprehended by a K9 from the Grant County Sheriff’s Department. Fortunately, the suspect was taken into custody without any trouble.
According to Marion PD, drugs were discovered in Johnson’s vehicle, which included a total of 590 grams of methamphetamine, 113 grams of fentanyl, and a small quantity of marijuana.
Johnson is currently facing charges of dealing drugs, with two counts of felony against him. He is also facing a felony charge of resisting law enforcement and criminal recklessness.
Marion Police Department stated in a news release that Johnson was found to have a suspended license and was on parole for being a serious violent felon in possession of a handgun. The authorities took Johnson to the Grant County Jail.
