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Visalia Police Arrest Father After Fleeing Traffic Stop, Leaving Toddler Behind
ANTHONY SITE PHOTO
By Anthony W. Haddad
Published 6 months ago on
March 7, 2025

Amari Johnson, 20, was arrested after fleeing a traffic stop, leaving his 2-year-old son in the car, and hiding in an apartment where police found a loaded ghost AR-15 pistol. (Visalia PD)

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A 20-year-old man was arrested Thursday after fleeing a traffic stop and leaving his 2-year-old son alone in the car, police said.

Officers with the Visalia Police Department attempted to pull over Amari Johnson around 4:30 p.m. near Harvard Avenue and South Central Street.

When police attempted a traffic stop, Johnson pulled into a parking lot, abandoned his vehicle and ran, police said.

While officers stayed with the child, Johnson entered a nearby apartment through an open window.

Authorities surrounded the building and took him into custody. A search of the apartment uncovered a loaded ghost AR-15 pistol and a drum magazine, police said.

Child Welfare Services was contacted, and Johnson was booked at the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Facility.

He faces multiple charges, including firearm offenses, child endangerment, drug possession, and a no-bail warrant, authorities said.

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Anthony W. Haddad,
Multimedia Journalist
Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and attended Fresno State for a MBA, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.

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