Florida Gators starting cornerback Dijon Johnson was arrested in Tampa over the weekend and faces multiple charges, including felony drug possession and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to court records.
Police stopped Johnson, 21, Friday night in the city's Ybor district after observing a traffic violation. According to an arrest report, officers detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle Johnson was driving.
Police asked Johnson to exit the car several times, but he initially refused and was argumentative, according to the report. He was subsequently removed from the vehicle and placed into custody.
A search of the vehicle located marijuana and 8 grams of synthetic marijuana inside a backpack. Officers also found a black Glock 19 handgun loaded with 17 rounds in the magazine, according to official records.
The charges filed against Johnson include resisting an officer without violence, possession of cannabis (less than 20 grams), possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The firearm charge is a second-degree felony, and the synthetic marijuana possession is a third-degree felony.
Johnson was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail early Saturday morning. He was released Sunday after posting an $8,500 surety bond.
Johnson, a 6-foot-1, 196-pound junior from Tampa, appeared in all 13 games last season, making five starts. He recorded 27 tackles and two pass breakups. He underwent shoulder surgery during the offseason and was limited in spring practices.
Attorney Tim Taylor told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Johnson has entered written pleas of not guilty to all charges.
Florida coach Billy Napier addressed the situation in a statement.
"We are aware of the situation of Dijon Johnson," Napier said. "We will continue to gather facts and cooperate with and monitor the legal and administrative processes."
