Officer Howard Louis Johnson

Officer Howard Louis Johnson

Roseville Police Department, Minnesota

End of Watch Wednesday, August 16, 1972

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Howard Louis Johnson

Officer Howard Johnson was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a bank robbery suspect.

The subject robbed the First Federal Savings and Loan of Minneapolis at the Rosedale Shopping Center and fled on foot at 12:30 pm. A silent alarm was activated, and Roseville officers responded. The subject fled across Snelling Avenue into a residential area. Officer Johnson located the subject at 1548 Sextant Avenue, where the suspect shot him. He was transported to St Paul Ramsey Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while in the operating room at 2 pm.

The subject was arrested about 30 minutes later. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life.

Officer Johnson had served with the Roseville Police Department for 15 years. He is survived by his wife, three children, and one grandchild.

Bio

  • Age 48
  • Tour 15 years
  • Badge 143

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to life

bank robbery

Most Recent Reflection

View all 14 Reflections

From 1955-1973 when I left Ramsey County, Minnesota, we often visited Roseville while going to the Rose Theater, Countryside Restaurant and Har Mar Mall. I moved to Colorado and began my Law Enforcement career in 1974, and always when traveling back home traveled up Snelling. While I don’t recall this incident, I wanted to honor his sacrifice and service 50 years ago. May youcontinue to live in the house of our Lord.

William Bell Jr, Lieutenant (retired)
Aurora Colorado Police Department

August 17, 2022

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