Patrol Officer Johnnie Norris Patterson, Jr.

Johnnie Norris Patterson, Jr.

Officer Johnnie Patterson was shot and killed at approximately 0430 hours after making a traffic stop. During the stop the suspect began to run. Officer Patterson pursued the man and called for backup. Approximately one hour later his body was found by a Polk County canine officer in a wooded area with a fatal gunshot wound.

He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The suspect was arrested several days later, found guilty of murder, and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Officer Patterson's father was with him on a ride along at the time of the incident.