DETROIT (WXYZ) — Tensions are running high for everyone – police and citizens. When there’s confusion over the law and a gun it can get worse. Cellphone videos show the tension in an incident Tuesday afternoon on Detroit’s east side. There is a lesson in this case for everyone. Michigan is an open carry state, but the gun has to be completely visible.
Jonathan Jones was out near the street carrying a handgun in a holster on his side when police drove by and saw the bulge. The gun was partially covered by his shirt. He was handcuffed, arrested and taken to jail.
Two bodycams were played for 7 Action News of the first two officers explained how the gun was not completely open. We can’t show those videos on TV because they are part of the ongoing case.
“I didn’t mean to do it,” Jones says on video. Police were given paperwork on the scene that shows the gun was registered and recently purchased by Jones.
Detroit Fifth Precinct Commander Eric Ewing tells 7 Action News, police have no discretion in these cases. They have to make the arrest and the case can be mitigated by the prosecutor’s office. The prosecutor has issued a felony gun charge. The family says they’re getting an attorney and working on bond for Jones to be released.
