Man facing multiple felonies, child endangerment charges after traffic stop in Rehoboth Beach

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – A Houston man is facing multiple charges after a pursuit late Monday night in Rehoboth Beach. Police say around 10:58 p.m. a Delaware State Trooper tried to conduct a traffic stop with 28-year-old Christopher Johnson Jr. The trooper says Johnson Jr.’s Hyundai Elantra was stopped at a red light as he ran a check on the computer in his cruiser. Police say Johnson Jr. had a suspended driver license and there were active capias for his arrest in Kent County.

Police say the trooper tried to pull Johnson Jr. over on Rehoboth Avenue Extended, but he did not stop and kept driving. Johnson Jr. then made a left turn onto Baltimore Street. Police say the trooper told Johnson Jr. to get out of the Hyundai and get on the ground. Johnson Jr. reportedly disobeyed the orders and walked toward the trooper. Johnson Jr. was tased and then arrested. Police say Johnson Jr.’s one-year-old son was strapped into the back seat of the Hyundai. A family member came to pick up the child.

Police say Johnson Jr. was not hurt during the arrest. Troopers searched his vehicle and found and handgun and holster. After a computer check, police say Johnson Jr. was prohibited from possessing a firearm.  Johnson Jr. is now facing multiple charges, including possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, and disregarding a police officer signal, which are all felonies. The man is also facing charges for endangering the welfare of a child, driving with a suspended license, and resisting arrest.

Johnson Jr. was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #3, and taken to Sussex Correctional Institution on $170,000 cash bond.