CONWAY – The trained eye of a Conway Police Officer possibly averted tragedy here last week.

According to Conway Police Chief Billy Wayne Duke, CPD Officer Jimmy Bracy was on routine patrol shortly after 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 26 in the Martin Street area of town at which time he observed a male walking. Upon further observation, Bracy determined that the male subject was holding a long barrel weapon and was attempting to hide it with his body.

As Bracy exited his patrol car, the suspect fled and a foot chase ensued. Chief Duke said that Bracy was able to catch the suspect at the end of Martin Street. There, the suspect threw the weapon to the ground.

The suspect was arrested and identified as Byron Deshawn Bottoms, age 27. The weapon, a 12-guage pump shotgun, was recovered and seized as evidence.

Bottoms is a convicted felon and was taken before a magistrate and charged with possession of firearm by convicted felon and resisting arrest. He was placed in Northampton Detention Center under $5,500 dollar.

Chief Duke said the address for Bottoms is unknown, but he is known in the Conway area.

“Officer Bracy’s attention to detail and quick response more than likely in this situation prevented another serious crime from happening,” Duke said.

Bracy was assisted by Northampton County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Collier.