By Tiffany Williams –
Stoughton man arrested after high-speed chase through downtown Boston early Monday morning ended with a loaded handgun and drugs in his car. Joseph Johnson, 46, was pulled over around 1:25 AM near Oak Street after officers saw his vehicle blow through multiple red lights. A second vehicle had to swerve to avoid him, prompting police to give chase.
When officers stopped Johnson, they immediately noticed the smell of alcohol and burnt marijuana. He handed over a large bag of marijuana from his front pocket and appeared unsteady on his feet. A search of the vehicle turned up a Glock 9mm loaded with seven rounds.
Johnson was taken into custody and faces a long list of charges, including carrying a firearm without a license for the third time, possession of ammunition without an FID card, carrying a loaded firearm while intoxicated, operating under the influence of drugs and liquor, and multiple motor vehicle violations. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court.
Authorities said Johnson also resisted arrest during the encounter. Police emphasized the danger posed to the public by his reckless driving and illegal weapons possession.