Officer Robert L. Johnson, Jr., Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

Officer Robert L. Johnson, Jr.

Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

End of Watch Saturday, April 26, 1997

Robert L. Johnson, Jr.

Officer Robert Johnson was shot and killed and another officer was shot and wounded at approximately 10:30 pm as the result of a parking problem.

They had just gotten off duty and became involved in the altercation near the intersection of Benning Road and 43rd Road, NE. The suspect told them he would be back to settle it after both officers identified themselves. When he returned he opened fire on them unexpectedly.

He was the third Metropolitan police officer killed in two months and the second killed within one block of a police station. Both suspects in his murder were convicted of first degree murder on May 22nd, 1998.

Officer Johnson had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for seven years. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 31
Tour 7 years
Badge 809

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Both convicted of 1st Degree murder

Most Recent Reflection

View all 21 Reflections

I remember Robert, when my father was VP at Morgan St. University. He had just taken the position and we had just moved from New Jersey. I was home from boarding school and was working at Morgan over the summer. I remember meeting Robert's laugh before I met him! Literally!
We were cleaning the office in the dorm and you could hear him laughing all the way down the hall. He was with a group of friends telling jokes and listening to music. We instantly hit it off and that was one of the best summers I can remember. Everyday at lunch time he had me near tears from laughing so hard from all his jokes and stories.
After the summer ended we stayed friends and one time he even took me to a public enemy concert in DC. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was this kid from Rhode Island and Robert was giving me a tour of the big city.

I didn't know Robert as a police officer, we hadn't been in touch in a while. I hate how I found out how he passed away. From a mutual friend at a Howard homecoming, years after the accident. I should of posted this years ago. For a short time, he was like a big brother. His personality was so big that in 2014 my memories of our friendship are still crystal clear.
To his family
my heart goes out you.
He was liked and loved.
He made many many many people smile.

respect to the profession
Rest in Peace Robert
You are missed!

Raymond A. Downs Jr.
old friend

December 17, 2014