El Monte Police Department, California
End of Watch: Friday, November 22, 2002
Age: 48
Tour of Duty: 14 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 29, 1990
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Investigator Donald Johnston succumbed to an illness contracted as a result of a gunshot wound received 12 years earlier.
The shooting occurred when he responded to a call at a bank near the intersection of Valley Mall and Ramona Boulevard involving a male attempting to cash a forged check. Investigator Johnston was confronted by the suspect who pulled out a gun. As Investigator Johnston pushed a civilian out of the line of fire, he was shot in the neck. The shot caused Investigator Johnston paralysis below the waist.
The suspect was apprehended but later committed suicide in jail.
Although confined to a wheelchair, Investigator Johnston continued serving with the El Monte Police department as a background investigator and helicopter observer. His health continued to deteriorate and he contracted cancer as a result.
Investigator Johnston had been employed with the El Monte Police Department for 14 years. He is survived by his wife and son.