Los Angeles Police Department, California
End of Watch Wednesday, December 19, 1984
Add to My HeroesDuane Curtis Johnson
Police Officer Duane Johnson was shot and killed by a robbery suspect in Chinatown at about 2:00 pm.
Officer Johnson and his partner had responded to the jewelry store in the report of a silent holdup alarm and were admitted inside by one of the holdup men, who was posing as a store employee. As soon as the two officers entered, the holdup men immediately opened fire, killing Officer Johnson and wounding his partner. Officer Johnson's partner was able to return fire and, with the assistance of the store's owner's son, who had armed himself, succeeded in killing two of the suspects and wounding one.
The wounded subject was sentenced to life in prison. Two other suspects involved were later apprehended.
Officer Johnson was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Los Angeles Police Department for three years. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 3 years
- Badge 23431
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 119 ReflectionsWith honor, I will be performing on Officer Duane Johnson's tuba tonight (2023/05/17) with the (Wisconsin) Hartford City Band for the Washington County Law Enforcement Memorial Service to honor those who have died in the line of duty. First, Officer Johnson's grandfather purchased the tuba in 1936 for performances with the Jamestown Band in New York. Next, Officer Johnson's father played it, and finally, Officer Duane Johnson. I acquired the tuba in 2022 from the Johnson family, reserving it for memorial and patriotic performances.
Daniel Landbo
Hartford City Band, Wisconsin
May 17, 2023
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