New York Jets running back Chris Johnson was arrested Friday night in Orlando, Florida, where he was charged with the open carrying of a firearm -- a second-degree misdemeanor.
The Orlando Police Department confirmed the arrest, releasing only a few details. At 8:56 p.m., Johnson was stopped in his hometown after rolling through a stop sign. Upon approaching the car, an officer noticed the handle of a handgun on the floor between two seats, according to police spokesperson Sergeant Wanda Ford.
By law, the weapon should have been concealed. Ford said she didn't know if the gun was loaded.
Johnson was released on $250 bond.
Johnson told a slightly different story, according to a person close to him. Police asked to search his car, and he cooperated. His licensed and registered firearm was found under a book bag under a seat instead of locked up, resulting in the charge for "open" carrying.
A Jets spokesman released a statement, saying, "We are aware and have no comment at this time, as this is a pending legal matter."
Johnson, 29, is coming off perhaps the most frustrating year of his career. In his first season with the Jets, he recorded career lows for carries (155), rushing yards (663) and rushing touchdowns (one).
The former Titans star, released by Tennessee last April, signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Jets. He could be a salary-cap casualty in the coming weeks.
With 8,628 yards, Johnson is the fifth-leading active rusher in the NFL. He's one of only seven players to rush for 2,000 yards in a season.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter contributed to this report.
