Sheriff James Leroy Johnson

James Leroy Johnson

Sheriff James Johnson was shot and killed while talking to a mentally ill person about the possibility of having him committed.

As Sheriff Johnson was speaking to him, he drew a handgun and opened fire, fatally wounding the sheriff. The shooter was then shot and killed by a deputy.

Sheriff Johnson had served as the sheriff of Sheridan County for 18 years, and had previously served with the Hoxie Police Department. He is survived by his wife and six adult children.