Special Officer Elliott S. Johnson

Elliott S. Johnson

Officer Johnson was struck and killed by a vehicle that attempted to run a roadblock. The driver of the vehicle, which was being driven chased by a Rockland police officer when he drove into the roadblock setup by Officer Johnson. The 23-year-old driver was slightly injured. His male passenger was killed.

The suspect, serving 2 to 4 years for breaking and entering at Thomaston Prison, was out on a weekend furlough. He was convicted of two counts of reckless homicide and sentenced to two 2.5 to 5 year terms to be served consecutively. On November 2, 1977, he escaped from prison, was quickly captured, and had more time added to his sentence.

Officer Johnson was a volunteer officer with the agency. He was employed as a janitor and bus driver for the local high school. He was survived by his wife, three sons, and three daughters.