HOUSTON—Houston City Councilman Jarvis Johnson is facing felony charges after police say he refused to pull over for a traffic violation in the Fifth Ward Wednesday night.
But in a statement released Thursday afternoon, Johnson denied any wrongdoing.
"Last night was an unfortunate situation where the officer erroneously surmised that I was speeding and fled his warning – a claim I vehemently deny. At no point did I drive over 25 mph, run stop signs, or maneuver around any vehicle. I acted in no way that would give any indication that I was attempting to flee or evade apprehension," Johnson said.
But police said Johnson was speeding in the 2600 block of the Eastex Freeway feeder around 9:45 p.m. when an officer attempted to pull him over.
The officer said Johnson refused to stop, instead driving another five or six blocks before pulling into a private driveway, where he was arrested.
A female staff member who was in the car with Johnson at the time was released, police said.
Johnson offered a different account of the incident.
"As soon as I noticed the officer’s lights and sirens, I immediately turned into my family’s non-profit Youth Center where an exchange transpired that I am doubtful complies with standard police operating policy. However, I remained cooperative and will continue to do so," Johnson said.
The councilman said he has repeatedly expressed concern about the amount of energy HPD has dedicated to "speed traps" in the Lyons, Liberty/Waco Bridge area, and he hoped that his arrest was not in response to his opposition to the traps.
He was charged with evading arrest and posted a $2,000 bond early Thursday morning.
Houston Mayor Annise Parker briefly addressed Johnson’s arrest in a statement released Thursday morning.
"The arrest of Council Member Jarvis Johnson is not related to his position or work as a member of Houston City Council. Beyond that, I will defer to the facts in the public record," Parker said.
HPD Chief Charles McClelland also issued a statement Thursday on Johnson’s arrest.
"This is a matter to be resolved through the criminal justice system. I want all officers to know that I am proud of their service and commitment to the citizens of Houston, while enforcing all laws to keep the city safe. As Chief of Police, I am proud to be the leader of an organization of dedicated professionals," McClelland said.
Johnson said he believes in HPD and asked that the actions of the arresting officer not be viewed as a reflection on the entire department.
"However, in this instance, the officer overreacted to a perception that was not reality," Johnson said.
Community activist Deric Muhammad agreed.
"Based upon the knowledge that we’ve received, we think that this is a sad case of an overreaction and overblown circumstance," he said.
The councilman said he believes he will be vindicated and asked the public to allow the justice system to take its course.
But 11 News legal analyst Gerald Treece said it could mean big trouble for Johnson if he’s convicted.
"As a public official, if you are convicted of a felony, that conviction—once it becomes final—disqualifies you," he said.
Johnson was elected to the Houston City Council in 2005 and lost a Democratic primary bid for the seat held by U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee earlier this year.
