GIFFORD — A 19-year-old is in jail facing a firearms charge after authorities say he fired multiple shots to impress a few females.
Joseph Johnson, 19, is being held on $20,000 bond after allegedly discharging a firearm from a vehicle in the 3000 block of 45th Street in Gifford at approximately 2 a.m. Tuesday morning.
One deputy reported hearing shots fired in the area and another deputy reported a description of a vehicle leaving the vicinity. A vehicle matching the description was pulled over by another patrol officer, according to the arrest affidavit.
A driver and two passengers were observed in the vehicle that was found to be a rental car not registered to the driver.
During a search of the vehicle, a Hi-Point model JHP .45 caliber ACP Semi-automatic firearm was found in the trunk of the vehicle.
The arresting officer noted “the eight round magazine and chamber was empty,” according to the report.
Johnson told the officer the three men in the vehicle were leaving three females, and as the driver pulled away, [Johnson] fired “’nine rounds’ into the sky within a distance of 1,000 feet from the females,” according to the affidavit. Johnson also said he pulled down the backseat from inside the vehicle to store the firearm.
When asked to give an explanation, Johnson said he was “trying to show off to the females,” the report said. Johnson also explained he was holding the firearm for a friend who owned it. Johnson does not have a concealed weapons permit.
Johnson faces three felony charges, including possession of a firearm by a delinquent, discharge firearm from vehicle by occupant, and carry concealed firearm.
He also faces a misdemeanor charge of improper exhibit of firearm or weapon.
