On February 10th, 2023, at approximately 3:13 a.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 3200 block of Clear Lake Avenue. The officers made contact with the driver identified as Eric L. Johnson, male 45 years old from Tyler, Texas.

During the encounter with Johnson, he became combative but was taken into custody after a brief struggle. During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered over 100 pounds of cannabis, a loaded firearm which was found to be stolen out of Texas, and a small amount of ecstasy.

Johnson was arrested for delivery of cannabis over 5,000 grams, unlawful use of a weapon by convicted felon, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a controlled substance.

He is currently at the Sangamon County Jail. Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call the Springfield Police Department at 217.788.8311 and/or Sangamon/Menard County Crime Stoppers at 217.788.8427.

The gun that was recovered: