Atlanta police say Shanta Johnson, 50, was arrested after an October 7 encounter in which he crashed an electric bicycle while fleeing officers. Police also allege he discarded a gun and drugs during the incident. Authorities told WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta that Johnson has been arrested more than 60 times and has 15 felony convictions.
According to WSB-TV, Atlanta police officers spotted Johnson riding an e-bike on the sidewalk on October 7. When officers moved to stop him, police said Johnson refused to comply and instead tried to get away from them.
Police said Johnson lost control of the e-bike and crashed during the attempted escape. They also alleged that he discarded a gun and drugs during the pursuit.
What Officers Recovered at the Scene
Officers recovered the gun and drugs, according to WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta. Police said the items included marijuana, crack cocaine, cocaine and a scale.
Johnson faces charges related to the October 7 incident, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The charges also include offenses related to cocaine, marijuana and drug-related objects, as well as obstruction of law enforcement, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, and traffic violations, the station reported.
A Long History of Run-Ins With the Law
Authorities cited in WSB-TV’s report said Johnson has been arrested more than 60 times and has 15 felony convictions. Those figures describe his prior record; the charges stemming from the October 7 incident are separate allegations.
Separately, a City of Atlanta document on bicycle and pedestrian regulations addresses sidewalk riding, failing to yield to pedestrians, improperly using the travel lane, riding two abreast, parking in bike or LIT lanes, and blocking crosswalks under Georgia and Atlanta code.
General Guidance for Bikes and Scooters
Atlanta’s Scoot Smart flyer offers general riding guidance for people using bikes and scooters, separate from rules for permitted shared devices. The flyer provides that general guidance; it does not explain how shared-device permit rules differ from rules for a privately owned e-bike.
The October 7 case centers on the alleged flight, the items police say they recovered, and the charges Johnson now faces.
