NEWS RELEASE
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE
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On Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, at approximately 9:16 p.m. a trooper from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Gaylord Post stopped a vehicle on US-31 near Big Rock Road in Hayes Township for multiple violations. The driver, 52-year-old James Robert Johnson of Charlevoix, displayed signs of intoxication. When asked if he had any weapons in the vehicle, Johnson stated he did. Johnson refused to participate in sobriety tests and a preliminary breath test. Johnson was placed under arrest. During the arrest, the trooper found Johnson was in possession of multiple knives, a pistol magazine, and a pistol in his waist band. The trooper found two more handguns inside the vehicle.
Johnson refused to submit to a chemical test. A search warrant for blood was obtained. Johnson was transported to a local hospital for a blood draw and then lodged in the Charlevoix County Jail.
Johnson was arraigned in the 90th District Court in Charlevoix County for one count Dangerous Weapon, one count Retired Officer Carrying Under the Influence, and one count Operating While Intoxicated. His next scheduled court appearance is on Jan. 23, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
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