Traffic Stop Turns Into Pursuit, Ends in Drug and Firearm Arrests in Gary
Two Gary men are facing multiple felony charges following a late-night police pursuit that began with a traffic stop and ended with the recovery of illegal drugs, packaging materials, and a loaded handgun in the 2000 block of Taft Street.
Allen McKinley Parker, Jr., 57, and Bryant Marvell Johnson, 40, were stopped on June 30 around 9:10 p.m. near Clark Road and 25th Avenue after a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy observed their Dodge Ram with an obscured license plate and a failure to stop at a marked line. Parker, the driver, reportedly appeared visibly nervous, breathing heavily and trembling as he handed over his license.
After Parker denied consent to search the vehicle, the deputy returned to his patrol car to issue citations. At that moment, Parker allegedly reentered the driver’s seat and fled the scene, stating, “Now y’all are calling a K9,” as he sped away, according to court documents.
The pursuit continued through residential neighborhoods, during which Parker ran multiple stop signs and nearly struck another vehicle at 20th Avenue and Taft Street. Officers were eventually able to stop the vehicle in the 2000 block of Taft Street. Both men were ordered out of the truck. Johnson, seated in the passenger seat, reportedly ignored commands and had to be told repeatedly to place his hands behind his back.
A search of the vehicle revealed several unopened plastic baggies inside the center console. Johnson informed officers that he had a firearm, although none was found inside the truck. However, body and dash camera footage showed a green bag and another object being thrown from the passenger side of the vehicle, where the handgun was later recovered.
Police recovered the discarded items, which included:
• 19.6 grams of fentanyl
• 7.8 grams of methamphetamine
• 7.9 grams of cocaine
• A PJK 9mm handgun
• Drug packaging items including unused plastic baggies, a cigar cutter, plastic spoons, and alcohol wipes
According to court filings, Parker was found with $1,612 in cash and an additional 0.5 grams of methamphetamine during booking.
Johnson initially denied involvement but later admitted to throwing an object out the window during the pursuit. He denied knowledge of the drugs and claimed his DNA would not be found on them.
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Charges filed on July 2, 2025:
Bryant Marvell Johnson is charged with:
• Dealing in a Narcotic Drug (Possession with Intent, over 10g) – Level 2 Felony
• Dealing in Methamphetamine (5–10g, with enhancing circumstances) – Level 2 Felony
• Dealing in Cocaine (5–10g, with enhancing circumstances) – Level 2 Felony
• Dealing in Methamphetamine (5–10g) – Level 3 Felony
• Dealing in Cocaine (5–10g) – Level 3 Felony
• Obstruction of Justice – Level 6 Felony
Allen McKinley Parker, Jr. is charged with:
• Dealing in a Narcotic Drug (Possession with Intent, over 10g) – Level 2 Felony
• Dealing in Cocaine (5–10g) – Level 3 Felony
• Dealing in Methamphetamine (5–10g) – Level 3 Felony
• Resisting Law Enforcement (Using a Vehicle) – Level 6 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine (under 5g) – Level 6 Felony
• Reckless Driving – Class C Misdemeanor
Both suspects are currently lodged in the Lake County Jail.
