By Bonnie Culverhouse
Involvement of a concerned citizen may have gone a long way in protecting a young child.
Minden Police responded to the call in the 900 block of Hinton St., where they located a couple with a five-year-old child.
Chief Steve Cropper said when Heather Johnson opened the door to her home, officers smelled “an alarming” odor of burnt Marijuana.
“Heather allowed officers to enter her residence and check on her son,” Cropper said. “While inside the residence, Heather was advised of her rights and asked about the smell of Marijuana.”
Lt. Chris Cheatham, Ofc. Shane Griffith and Lt. Chris Hammontree reportedly entered the residence where Heather Johnson provided a small amount of Marijuana in a small purple flowered wooden container with a rotating top.
“A family member was then contacted to come pick up the child, so he could be removed from the situation,” Cropper said. “While talking with Mrs. Johnson, she mentioned a search warrant. At that time, all occupants were removed from the residence, the search warrant was obtained and executed.”
During the search, multiple syringes were located, some loaded with liquid, according to police reports.
“A drug field test kit on the liquid inside of the syringes, tested positive for Methamphetamine,” said the chief. “Located also were two small plastic bags with Methamphetamine residue and approximately seven grams of natural Marijuana.”
In addition, multiple smoking pipes were reportedly located in different locations inside the residence, along with a shotgun inside a bedroom closet.
“Keith Johnson claimed ownership of the firearm and claimed knowledge of the illegal narcotics in the residence,” Cropper said.
Keith Charles Johnson, 38, and Heather Renee Johnson, 37, were charged with possession of Marijuana, possession of Methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and use of controlled dangerous substances in the presence of a minor. Keith Johnson was also charged with illegal carrying of weapons.
Both Johnsons were booked at the Minden Police Department and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.
