HAMPTON, Va. — Portsmouth Police Officer Carmen Johnson appeared in Hampton General District Court on Wednesday morning just days after posting bail, telling the judge she’s hired an attorney to represent her.
Johnson is charged with driving while under the influence and assault and battery on a law enforcement officer, among other charges. It stems from a traffic stop near Interstate 64 and North Mallory Street just before midnight Saturday.
Newly filed documents state as one officer arrested and escorted Johnson to a patrol car, she began to tense up and pull away from police.
They say she made comments about the officer’s race, describing her "dislike of white people" and "struck the detective with her foot in an intentional kick" when placed in the back seat of the police car.
Court documents state Johnson was initially pulled over because she was speeding and almost hit a police vehicle involved in another traffic stop.
Detectives pursued Johnson who allegedly drove more than 100 miles per hour. Once stopped, investigators said Johnson admitted to having one drink.
They said she had glassy eyes and slurred her words. After taking a field sobriety test, records show Johnson had a blood alcohol content level of 0.09%, which is just over the legal limit of 0.08%.
Officers claim they even found an open container of liquor in the backseat of the car.
Johnson declined to comment on the case following the hearing. Court documents show she had no prior criminal history and has lived in the area for about 18 years.
The Portsmouth Police Department said Johnson will work in a "non-law enforcement administrative position" during the department’s internal investigation. She’s expected back in court in June.