MITCHELL– John R. Sloan, 73, of Bloomington was arrested in Mitchell after allegedly brandishing what a motorist believed was an AR-15 style rifle near a busy intersection, leading to him facing multiple charges following the incident.
According to an affidavit for probable cause filed by Mitchell Police Department Officer Jacob McMillen, officers were dispatched at approximately 9:22 a.m. on Friday, June 20, to a report of a suspicious person near the intersection of Highway 37 and Main Street.
Upon arrival, Officer McMillen observed a gray Honda Civic with an individual, later identified as Sloan, seemingly scattering items from the vehicle along the roadside. When Sloan saw the patrol vehicle, he initially put his hands up as if to surrender. However, as Officer McMillen exited his car, Sloan allegedly walked toward the passenger side and pulled a black object from the rear passenger window, raising it in the air.
Officer McMillen recognized the object as what appeared to be an AR-15 style rifle, unholstered his duty weapon, and ordered Sloan to drop the item. After being instructed twice, Sloan reportedly threw the object to the ground. Officer Taylor of the Mitchell Police Department arrived on the scene to assist in detaining Sloan.
Upon inspection, the weapon was identified as a paintball gun distinctly resembling an AR-15 rifle. When asked why he brandished the weapon, Sloan reportedly stated it “was a joke” and that he was attempting to surrender by grabbing the item.
The affidavit further states that Sloan was wearing only a lower body wrap and, when advised by Officer Taylor to sit down so officers could retrieve his clothing, he allegedly defied orders and began walking away. This led Officer Taylor to assist Sloan to the ground to gain control.
During the investigation, an open beer bottle was observed in the driver’s side door pocket, and a bottle of whiskey was found in the passenger seat. Both appeared to have been consumed. While attempting to retrieve his glasses from a bag, Sloan continued to search through it after locating them. Upon inspection of the bag, a small, half-burned paper object with the odor of marijuana was located. Sloan reportedly admitted it contained ketamine, which he claimed someone had given him the previous night.
Although officers did not observe Sloan physically driving the vehicle and therefore did not charge him with operating while intoxicated, he was arrested on sight for disorderly conduct and resisting law enforcement in addition to the other charges.
Sloan was transported to the Lawrence County Jail, where he was booked on charges of criminal recklessness, intimidation, possession of marijuana, and open container.
A Probable Cause Affidavit outlines the initial findings and allegations that led to an arrest. Criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
