Springboro Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch: Monday, June 27, 1983
Age: 48
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: 5
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: June 27, 1983
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Sentenced to work release
Officer Bill Johnson was struck by a drunk driver and killed while investigating two suspicious people walking along Ohio 73 at 12:30 am.
Officer Johnson was traveling eastbound on Ohio 73 when he stopped in the right-hand lane to talk to two people standing on the road. When he exited his patrol cruiser, a truck traveling eastbound hit the rear of his vehicle and then struck Officer Johnson. He was transported to Sycamore Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The drunk driver was placed on work release while in the county jail and released after three months.
Officer Johnson was a United States Marine Corps veteran who had served with the Springboro Police Department for nine years and previously served with the Clearcreek Township. He was survived by his wife, son, and three daughters. In 2023, his grandson was sworn in as a Springboro Police Officer.