McDowell County -- July 27, 2026: A routine traffic stop in McDowell County recently led to the arrest of a Nebo man on felony firearm charges, highlighting how observant law enforcement can uncover more serious criminal activity. On July 19, McDowell County deputies stopped a white Toyota truck on N.C. 226 South for a traffic violation.
During the stop, deputies identified the driver as 38-year-old Justin Bradley Johnson of Nebo. It was determined that Johnson was driving without a license, using a fictitious registration plate, and had outstanding warrants in both McDowell and Mitchell counties.
Further investigation by deputies led to the discovery of a loaded firearm inside the truck. As Johnson is described as a convicted felon, North Carolina law prohibits him from owning or possessing a firearm. Consequently, he was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.
The sheriff’s office reported that Johnson was already on pretrial release at the time of his arrest. Following the new charges, he was denied bond.