Christopher Barret Johnson, a 42-year-old former employee of People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), a nonprofit organization that provided outreach services to homeless individuals, was arrested by federal authorities for possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine.Law enforcement stopped Johnson in his BMW near MacArthur Park after he made a suspicious U-turn and appeared nervous.Officers found methamphetamine, fentanyl, cash, a digital scale with drug residue, and knives in his vehicle.Johnson admitted to possessing the drugs but claimed they belonged to someone else.

PATH confirmed Johnson had not worked for them since September 2025 and clarified that the organization no longer operates in the MacArthur Park area.

Federal authorities emphasized that distributing syringes and engaging in harm reduction efforts remains controversial, while advocates argue these measures reduce the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis.Johnson faces federal charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, carrying potential prison time of five to 40 years.The arrest is part of ongoing federal and local law enforcement actions targeting drug activity and gang-related crimes in the area.