updated 3:48 p.m. ET June 13, 2005

CHICAGO - Chicago Bears defensive lineman Terry “Tank” Johnson faces a felony gun charge after police found a loaded 9mm handgun in the vehicle he was driving.

According to Chicago police, Johnson was arrested about 3 a.m. Saturday after a valet at a nightclub on the city’s near North Side area flagged an officer down and reported seeing Johnson move a handgun from his lap to the center console of his sport utility vehicle.

Police went to the nightclub that Johnson, the team’s second-round draft choice in 2004, had gone to and arrested him, police spokesman Pat Camden said.

Johnson was charged with a felony count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, said Cook County State’s Attorney’s office spokeswoman Marcy Jensen. The charge carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison.

Slide show: The Week in Sports Pictures   Oct. 3 - 9 Images from the baseball playoffs, NFL, college football, and more.

On Sunday during a hearing, Cook County Circuit Judge Mary Margaret Brosnahan set bail at $10,000. Johnson posted bond and was released, according to the court.

Johnson, who played at the University of Washington, was in 12 games as a rookie last season and had 12 tackles with half a sack.

The Bears declined comment.

MORE FROM NFL

NFL Section Front

Pats-Colts is greatest NFL rivalry of 2000s   PFT: Brady recalls when he met Peyton   Slideshow: Peyton vs. Brady through the years   Video: Harrison on how Pats can beat Colts   Video: Dungy on how Colts can beat Patriots PFT: Lewis tells Ochocinco to hold the mustard T.O. misses practice because of hip injury Singletary wants to beat Bears, not reminisce PFT: Bears’ Harris won’t be suspended for punch Davis' comments puts 49ers on defensive NFL Section Front   Add NFL headlines to your news reader: