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.

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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.

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