Cedar Rapids man has been accused of interference with official acts with a firearm

Rachel Steil, News Reporter

A Cedar Rapids man has been accused of carrying a handgun while trying to get into Iowa City bars.

Zion Johnson, 20, was charged on Dec. 1 with interference with official acts using a dangerous weapon, carrying weapons, possession/carrying of weapons while intoxicated, assault on peace officers/others, open container in a public place, PAULA, unlawful use of license, presence in a bar after hours, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, acquiring a pistol/revolver without a permit, and public intoxication.

According to the arrest affidavit, Johnson was stopped by police in the Pedestrian Mall on Nov. 30 after being denied admittance to a bar. Johnson was carrying an open container of alcohol and denied having a form of identification on him, the affidavit said. At the time of the interaction, Johnson was intoxicated and was wearing a bar wristband, the affidavit said.

When police attempted to handcuff Johnson, he began to resist. This led to a short foot chase, the affidavit said.

While Johnson was searched, a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun was found in his pants, along with a THC pen, marijuana, and a license that was not his.

According to the affidavit, Johnson did not have a permit to carry weapons. Johnson told police that the handgun was given to him by his cousin that night.

Interference with official acts with a firearm is a Class-D felony.