Scott County deputy arrests man after suspicious vehicle report near Sikeston

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

SIKESTON, Mo., (KBSI) — A Scott County man was arrested Friday after deputies investigating a suspicious vehicle near Sikeston found drugs and a firearm in his possession, the sheriff’s office said.

A deputy responded Nov. 14 to County Highway 480 for a report of a suspicious vehicle. The deputy located the vehicle and contacted the occupants. The driver, James Wesley Johnson, 41, of Bertrand, was standing outside the vehicle with the driver’s door open. Spent .22-caliber shell casings were found on the ground nearby, according to the sheriff’s office.

A records check through Sikeston Communications showed Johnson’s driver’s license was revoked. When the deputy attempted to detain him, Johnson pulled away and resisted arrest, authorities said. The deputy deployed a Taser, allowing Johnson to be taken into custody.

A search of Johnson reportedly revealed two plastic bags containing a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine, weighing about 3.5 grams. A firearm was also found in plain view on the driver’s side floorboard. Deputies learned Johnson is a convicted felon and barred from possessing firearms.

Johnson was booked into the Scott County Jail on charges of possession of a controlled substance, driving while revoked, unlawful possession of a firearm, resisting arrest and unlawful use of a weapon. A judge later issued a warrant and set bond at $60,000 cash or surety.

Sheriff Derick Wheetley thanked the community for reporting suspicious activity and said deputies’ quick response removed illegal drugs and a firearm from local streets.