An Atoka Police officer's traffic stop for a defective taillight early Monday morning resulted in the arrest of a Texas man after a search of the vehicle uncovered marijuana and a Schedule II controlled substance.
At approximately 12:46 a.m. on August 18, 2025, Patrolman Grady Blackwood was on routine patrol when he observed a Chevrolet Malibu with a broken driver-side taillight that was emitting a white light. Officer Blackwood initiated a traffic stop on S Mississippi Avenue.
Upon making contact, Officer Blackwood detected the odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The driver, identified as Marlon Johnson Jr. of Killeen, Texas, provided a Texas driver's license and proof of insurance. When asked about the odor, Johnson admitted he had marijuana in a small bag with the name 'KOLI Cannabis Premium Flower,' but confirmed he did not have a medical marijuana card.
