"Gas money gave up in Gurnee..."
Posted on 12/15/2006 9:27:50 AM PST by Extremely Extreme Extremist
Six Firearms Found In Player's Gurnee Home
(CBS) GURNEE -- Chicago Bears' defensive tackle Terrence "Tank" Johnson was arrested after police recovered six firearms and marijuana in his Gurnee home while executing a search warrant Thursday morning.
Sources tell CBS 2 complaints from a neighbor in Gurnee prompted police to search the garbage from Johnson's home three times in recent weeks. The affidavit for a search warrant indicates they found marijuana residue, and the judge granted the request.
But neither the judge nor state's attorneys were told or realized that "Terry Johnson" was "Tank Johnson," the Bears starting tackle.
Johnson was not home when police arrived around 11 a.m. Thursday, apparently blasting their way into the home.
"They took like a long pole and from what I hear it sounds like it was a blast to the door to get in, and it shook my house and a neighbor's house, a picture fell off our wall, things like that," said neighbor Ashley Chamberlain.
Johnson, 25, was charged with six counts of unlawful possession of a firearm without a Firearm Owners Identification Card, according to a Gurnee police department press release. He was released Thursday evening after posting a $100 bond, according to the release, and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 9.
Johnson appeared outside his North Suburban home Thursday night, carrying his baby daughter to a waiting limousine. As he kissed her good-bye, his girlfriend, who was home as the time of the search, ducked into the limo and both she and the child were driven away.
Johnson declined to speak with reporters, and went back inside.
But his coach expressed serious concern.
"My players do the right thing the majority of the time, but sometimes things like this come up. I'm going to wait to see exactly what the charges are before I can talk anymore on it," Bears Coach Lovie Smith said.
"It definitely is a concern because Tank has had to deal with some things like this in the past. Yes, it definitely is a concern," Smith said, adding that it was also a distraction for the playoff-bound team.
Johnson's roommate, 26-year-old Willie B. Posey was also arrested; he was charged with one count of marijuana possession. CBS 2 learned Thursday night that a Willie Posey, same age, same spelling, was recently released from an Illinois state prison after serving five years for armed robbery and narcotics.
Tank Johnson, while a stand-out defensive tackle, has also had several run-ins with law enforcement. He received 18 months probation for another unlawful weapons charge last November. Charges filed after a fight on Rush Street this February were dropped.
Johnson's brushes with the law are the only detours on a journey from the streets of Gary, Ind. to NFL stardom. His family moved him away from Gary to get him gang bangers.
Now, he is back, authorities say, in what they call questionable company.
Johnson is not in any way linked to the marijuana charges and the other gun charges, authorities tell CBS 2, usually result in a simple fine and may not even be enough to violate his previous probation.
The charge of not having the card while possessing firearms carries a penalty of up to a year in jail upon conviction, said Jeff Pavletic, first assistant state's attorney in Lake County. Unless specifically exempted by statute, all Illinois residents who buy or possess firearms are required by law to have a valid Firearm Owner's Identification card. They are issued by the Illinois State Police.
Johnson left Halas Hall Thursday around 3 p.m. with a Bears security guard, presumably to turn himself in to police.
What This Means For The Bears
Losing Johnson would be a major blow to the Bears, who've already clinched a playoff berth by winning the NFC North.
Chicago also is without Pro Bowl defensive tackle Tommie Harris, who underwent surgery Tuesday for a torn hamstring.
"I'm disappointed," Smith said. "Of course we're disappointed that something like this is coming up. We're constantly talking about our players, about doing the right thing, and our players do the right thing the majority of the time. But sometimes things like this come up."
We need an NFL Ping here.
Well the Bears have a long way to go to catch up with the Bengals.
What an idiot...
I wonder what they found in the garbage to inspire this grand entrance? Maybe a roach clip?
"Gas money gave up in Gurnee..."
What the hell is that and why -- ah yes, Chicago!
Why not burn him out? I mean he had some marijuana and that's bad isn't it? Worse than murder, armed robbery, rape, grand theft auto, etc . . . . So they just bust his door down, plaster his name all over the papers, he'll go to court, pay fines and drug counseling and that's it? Does anyone else think this is excessive? Going through his garbage?
This is a huge victory for the good guys fighting the War on Drugs.
I'm surprised they busted down the door of the correct house.
Well no wonder he was arrested. It's right there as plain as the nose on your face in the Constitution, "thou shalt possess a Firearms Owners Identification Card". It's right there before the abortion on demand right. ;O)
Gurnee is not Chicago, but it is in the same State.
Hey, what are you bitching about? They didn't shoot him in the face through the closed front door did they? Get over it... Besides, he won't see a jail cell until well after the Bears are eliminated in the playoffs.
This is getting more and more curious. A previous article stated that they were made aware of barking by pit-bull type dogs and gun shots and that they suspected he had drugs inside. They made no mention of dumpster diving in the previous article.
I say the fix is in! What does this guy earn a year?
No FOID card---None of the family or hangers-on could qualify and pony up $5.00 and a clean criminal record?
My bet it someone doesn't want him to play ball this winter.
Whatever--I hate Illinois so much sometimes. But I am disgusted with the foolish behavior of all concerned.
Armored vehicle and SWAT team? What did they think the guy was doing?
Word is the Gurnee Chief of Polices is a GREEN BAY PACKER FAN!!!
FREEDOM!!!!
This is such total BS that i can't even think straight right now... Tank move to Indiana, and drive to work.
He should do something about the pal of his with the dope, too. I mean, don't get me wrong--it's his castle. But now he risks people having kittens and taking his kids over the 'drugs and guns'.
I just don't get this. Walter Payton was a confirmed gun nut and the team has a gun culture of sorts from way back. On the bright side--Cook County will let him skate on this.
Maybe Mayor Daley can make him a part time cop or something so he can carry.
LOL! Thats where I'm from... Tank, keep your nose clean and drop your friend.
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