San Diego Police Department, California
End of Watch Sunday, February 20, 1983
Add to My HeroesKirk Leland Johnson
Patrolman Kirk Johnson was shot and killed by a 17-year-old boy who had stolen his father's sheriff's uniform and marked patrol car.
When Patrolman Johnson pulled up to next to what he thought was a uniformed deputy in San Clemente Park the suspect opened fire, killing him.
The case remained unsolved for over one month before a witness came forward and identified the suspect. The suspect was subsequently convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 17 years to life in prison.
Patrolman Johnson had served with the San Diego Police Department for two years. He was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 2 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 41 ReflectionsI struggle through February going to again saying good bye to my best friend Officer Kirk Johnson
I wanted to share this because I think of him every day
I worked at my family‘s business when I was a young man and Officer Kirk (as I knew him ) come by and to say hello and he was so kind I remember he would mow lawns for old people on the weekends who couldn’t afford lawn care he was such a kind and generous soul
I’m sure as his family does , I truly miss him so much
I often think of date of the funeral at Emmanuel faith church in Escondido and all the people they came out to honor him including new recruit Shelley Zimmerman ultimately the chief of police for San DiegoAnd I’ve known her for a few years now and I remember meeting me at the funeral
Dr DL Bear Hadjis, Commissioner
County of San Diego crime commission
November 9, 2019
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