BLOOMINGTON – Jamar Johnson, a freshman defensive back at IU, was booked into the Monroe County Jail shortly before 10 p.m. Thursday on a preliminary charge of resisting law enforcement.

According to IU Police Department Lt. Kevin Lauerman, IUPD officers conducting foot patrols Thursday night near the Sembower Field complex in the university’s northwest dormitory neighborhood detected the smell of marijuana.

Upon further investigation, they happened upon two individuals, one of which left the scene, according to Lauerman. Officers conducted interviews with the individual that stayed, and were able to identify Johnson by last name. Johnson then returned, according to Lauerman.

“He actually returned to the scene willingly,” Lauerman said. “They completed their investigation, arrested him for resisting.”

According to a jail official, Johnson was booked in on the preliminary charge, a class A misdemeanor, at 9:43 p.m. He was released at 11:56 p.m. the same night, per the official. The other individual identified by police at the scene was not arrested, according to Lauerman.

Through a spokesman, IU released a statement Friday acknowledging the incident.

"Indiana University Athletics and the IU football program are aware of the arrest involving Indiana University freshman Jamar Johnson," IU Athletics will continue to gather facts, cooperate with and monitor the legal process, and take further action as the evolving situation warrants."

Per online court records, Johnson has an initial hearing set for 1:30 p.m. Friday.

A 6-1 defensive back and Florida native, Johnson appeared in 10 games for Indiana last season, playing both defense and special teams. He grabbed his first-career interception at Rutgers on Sept. 29.

Follow IndyStar reporter Zach Osterman on Twitter: @ZachOsterman.

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