Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch: Wednesday, October 21, 1981
Age: 22
Tour of Duty: 3 months
Badge Number: 2341
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 21, 1981
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Officer Johnson was shot and killed when he and his partner responded to a bank robbery on Lee Road in the city's East Side.
One of the two suspects opened fire on both officers as they exited their patrol car. Officer Johnson managed to return fire, paralyzing the shooter from the waist down. His partner suffered a broken leg while chasing the other suspect.
The 27-year-old shooter was sentenced to death; however, the Ohio governor commuted the sentence to life in prison without parole. As of 2021, he was in prison. His 56-year-old accomplice was convicted of murder and robbery and sentenced to life. He died in prison on September 6, 1988.
Officer Johnson had served with the Cleveland Division of Police for less than 1 year. He was survived by his wife and young son.