Sheriff Dave Johnson

Sheriff Dave Johnson

Nance County Sheriff's Department, Nebraska

End of Watch Tuesday, May 16, 1961

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Dave Johnson

Sheriff Johnson was shot and killed after he and another deputy attempted to serve a warrant on a mentally ill man. Sheriff Johnson went into the home unarmed as the deputy waited in the car. After the sheriff failed to return the deputy approached the house and observed that the sheriff was in a struggle with the man. Sheriff Johnson freed himself from the struggle and the two officers took cover in a nearby barn as the suspect armed himself with a shotgun. As Sheriff Johnson attempted to make it to his car to obtain his revolver he was shot and killed by the suspect. The suspect fled in his vehicle.

Later that same day the suspect was shot and killed by lawmen near Ellsworth, Kansas. He lost control of his car and slid into a ditch during a high speed chase. When he opened fire on officers from his car they responded with a hail of bullets hitting him 13 times.

Sheriff Johnson was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

  • Age 60
  • Tour 4 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun
  • Offender Shot and killed

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

I wasn't born yet but have met people you crossed paths with and through their stories I came to know you and a respect for the brave person behind the badge. One story came from a fellow bar mate, he remembered how you carried butterscotch kisses in your overalls for the kids, once you chased him and a buddy away from a farmers pond so you could fish. I was also told that you never bought a watermelon, you bet on anything and the wager was a melon,.
Really feel I missed out on someone wonderful!

connie j curtis
n/a

February 22, 2017

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