Although he has several felony convictions, Ameer Williams carried a firearm “to protect himself,” according to what he told a Williamsport police officer. The 56-year-old Williams was stopped after he ran a red light at Park Avenue and Walnut Street in Williamsport, while riding a bicycle about 9:30 p.m. on June 24, it was stated in an affidavit. It turned out that he possessed a handgun that he had concealed in his backpack, police said. The officer took possession of the gun and charged Williams, of 653 Hepburn St., apartment 13, with convicted felony not to possess a firearm. Following his arraignment before Biichle, Williams was committed to the county prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.