A routine traffic stop in Elyria early Saturday morning led to multiple felony charges after police say a loaded firearm fell from a suspect during the encounter.
According to a police report, the stop occurred around midnight on April 18 in the area of Lake Avenue and Cascade Street. Officers initially pulled the vehicle over after observing the driver texting while driving.
During the stop, an officer noticed the passenger, identified as Nasier D. Johnson, 26, of Louisville, Kentucky, appeared extremely nervous. While speaking with those inside the vehicle, the officer observed what appeared to be part of a firearm magazine inside the open center console.
When questioned, Johnson initially denied having a weapon but then admitted there was a firearm in the vehicle. Officers asked him to step out of the car.
Police say that as Johnson exited the vehicle, a loaded handgun fell from his clothing onto the ground.
Police say a tense moment unfolded as the gun fell and the suspect moved quickly before officers detained him.
According to the report, the firearm had a magazine inserted and was loaded. Johnson also acknowledged he was not legally allowed to possess a firearm.
He was taken into custody and transported to the Lorain County Jail, where records show he was booked later that morning.
Johnson faces multiple charges, including having weapons under disability, improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, carrying a concealed weapon, violating a protection order, and a traffic citation for texting while driving.
Jail records show a total bond set at $41,250, with multiple individual bond amounts tied to the charges. He is scheduled to appear in Elyria Municipal Court.
