Steven Michael Johnson, best known as cancer-fighting T-shirt designer “Scuba Steve,” was arrested for allegedly impersonating a cop when authorities asked him to move his car at a local arts festival — but he claims it’s all a big “misunderstanding.”
Johnson, who gained fame for founding Scuba Steve Clothing Company, was working as a vendor in downtown Picayune, Mississippi, at the Spring Street Festival on Saturday when a police officer asked him to move his car out of a restricted area.
“He was asked to show his badge and credentials, and he said he left them at home, and then walked off,” Picayune Police Chief Joe Quave told the Sun Herald.
The officer later learned Johnson had lied, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was picked up by police in Gulfport and charged with felony impersonation of a law enforcement officer this week.
However Johnson’s attorney, Mitch Owen, claims the incident was all a big “misunderstanding” and that Johnson had permission to park where he did.
“We dispute that he was trying to impersonate a law enforcement officer. It’s unfortunate,” the attorney told WLOX.
Owen said Johnson, who had a vendor booth at the semi-annual festival, had an agreement with the organizers to park his vehicle in a barricaded area close to his booth due his illness from radiation treatments.
And it was Johnson’s understanding that police had been informed of his condition, according to Owen.
Police could have slapped Johnson with a misdemeanor, but instead pursued the felony charge, his attorney said.
If convicted, Johnson faces up to three years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
“Thank YOU very much to the city of Picayune for all of the love and hugs,” Johnson posted on social media Monday, without mentioning his arrest.
“I am worn out i had a rough night post cancer issues and just woke up. Just wanted yall to know how much I appreciate yall.”
An icon around southern Mississippi, Johnson and his T-shirt printing business took off after he was given just six months to live in 2015 following a stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis.
He underwent years of painful chemotherapy and was finally declared cancer-free in 2017, according to his website.
“Scuba Steve” was a nickname Johnson was given by friends in high school.
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