Submitted by Fox First at Ten on October 22nd
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE SPOKANE POLICE DEPT: Despite a suspect lying about his identity, Spokane Police Detectives were able to piece together information surrounding a stolen motorcycle, return the motorcycle to its rightful owner and arrest the suspect without incident.
The suspect, Justin Johnson, a prolific offender was arrested on charges including Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Identity Theft, Possession of Heroin with the Intent to Deliver and Possession of a stolen vehicle.
The incident started overnight on September 16, 2012, when a 2006 Silver Suzuki motorcycle was stolen from the 1900 Block of East South Ridge Drive in Spokane County. The motorcycle was located by officers on October 12, 2012, just before midnight near Alberta and Wellesley with incorrect plates.
Justin Johnson (32) who had an extensive criminal history had been riding the motorcycle and when questioned by officers, told them his name and provided identification that he was Jeremy Johnson, a name that did not show up as wanted and had no criminal history attached to it. Johnson had a handgun tucked into his waistband that officers discovered as they detained him.
When officers checked the fake name Jeremy Johnson at the station, they found no outstanding warrants, Johnson was released and the motorcycle returned to the registered owner. Upon further investigation, officers determined Jeremy Johnson was really Justin Johnson, who did have felony warrants.
Justin Johnson was located in a room at the West Wynn Hotel, 2701 W. Sunset Blvd. Johnson was arrested coming out of one of the rooms, and had a stolen 9mm handgun in his backpack. The gun had been stolen in a recent Coeur d'Alene, Idaho burglary. Another firearm was located inside the backpack as well, both within reach of Johnson.
Officers executed a search warrant of the room and found a large amount of drug paraphernalia, all indicative of drug distribution. Portions of the items tested positive for Heroin.
Ultimately, Johnson was arrested for 3 counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, 1 count of a Stolen Firearm, 2nd Degree Identity Theft, Possession of Heroin with the Intent to Deliver and Possession of a stolen vehicle.
Johnson has an extensive local criminal history, including burglaries, stolen property and eluding police officers and is considered a repeat offender. Thanks to officers' careful apprehension of Johnson, who was armed at the time of his arrest, no one was injured during this potentially dangerous situation
