Pinellas Park Police Department

Press Release

Report # 2006-14910

Suspect Who Pointed Gun at Officer on Traffic Stop (5.18.06) and Fled is Arrested

Suspect:  Johnson, Tario Deon, Black male, Age: 26 (Date of Birth: 01/03/1980)

Last known address:    1733 54 Avenue South.  St. Petersburg, FL

On May 18, 2006 Tario Johnson fled from our officers who attempted to stop him for a traffic violation.  Johnson pointed a firearm at an officer and subsequently fled.  Officers pursued Johnson into St. Petersburg where he abandoned the car and eluded capture.  A previous press release describes the details.

Evidence left behind, and the ensuing investigation, led detectives to identify Tario Johnson as the person who committed these crimes. 

On Tuesday, May 30, 2006, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Johnson was located and arrested by St. Petersburg Police Department detectives near 9 Avenue South and 16 Street.  Johnson was also found in possession of marijuana when arrested.  Johnson refused to be interviewed regarding this incident.

Johnson was transported to the Pinellas County Jail where is he being held on the following charges and their coinciding bonds.  Additional charges for auto theft are pending.

Pinellas Park Police Department Charges:

Marijuana – Felony Possession - $5,000.00

Fleeing and Eluding a Law Enforcement Officer – Felony - $10,000.00

Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Felony $10,000.00

St. Petersburg Police Department Charge:

Marijuana – Felony Possession $5,000.00

Released by:

Lieutenant Paul J. Andrews