CANAAN — A local man was arrested Friday after authorities said he threatened to kill his cousin and evaded police.
The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office was contacted Friday at about 8 a.m. by Brett Johnson, 40, of Canaan, who said that he had been arguing with his cousin Joshua Johnson, who allegedly then shot him with a pepper ball gun at his residence in Canaan, said Chief Deputy Mike Mitchell. The incident with the pepper ball gun is under investigation, Mitchell said, as there was no evidence that Joshua Johnson owned a pepper ball gun or shot it.
Sgt. Joseph Jackson then met up with Brett Johnson at his mother’s home in Pittsfield to get further details about the complaint. Brett Johnson was very agitated, Mitchell said, and threatened to kill Joshua Johnson. Jackson saw Brett Johnson put something into his pocket, and was concerned it was a firearm. Then Brett Johnson got into a silver 2013 Ford Escape and drove off, according to police.
A short chase ensued as Jackson pursued him back to the residence in Canaan, where Brett Johnson turned around in the driveway before stopping at the end of the street and surrendering to police around 8:30 a.m.
Brett Johnson was arrested on charges of eluding an officer and criminal threatening. Deputies searched the vehicle, and did not find a firearm, Mitchell said.
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