Loaded handgun and heroin found in SUV

YOUNGSTOWN

Police found a loaded 9mm handgun and 11 doses of heroin Wednesday in an SUV while responding to a fight call at a 718 Belmont Ave. store about 5 p.m.

Reports said police found a description of one of the men who was supposed to be fighting, Lawrence Johnson, 51, of Belmont Avenue. Johnson was standing next to the owner of the store, reports said.

Reports said there was an SUV in the parking lot with the driver's door open and the keys in the ignition and when police went to check it, Johnson ran towards the vehicle and tried to get to the door. Johnson denied the SUV was his, reports said.

On the front seat police found a loaded 9mm handgun. Inside police also found mail addressed to Johnson, a cell phone, police scanner and 11 individual doses of heroin, reports said.

Johnson was arrested on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle and possession of heroin. He was taken to the Mahoning County jail.

Reports noted the owner of the store refused to provide a statement about what happened.