Inspector John R. Johnston

John R. Johnston

Inspector Johnston was shot and killed while investigating possible burglary activity. He observed a suspicious male and called him over to his unmarked car. While talking to this male, the male shot Inspector Johnson several times while Inspector Johnson was still seated behind the wheel of his car. No one knew of the shooting until an off duty police officer stopped to investigate Inspector Johnston's vehicle, which was still parked in the middle of the street.

The 31-year-old suspect, later apprehended, was found to be insane and committed in a state mental hospital. A year later he was found to be sane and returned to Oakland to stand trial for Inspector Johnson's murder. In 1948 he was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life. He was denied parole in 1960.

Inspector Johnston had been with the agency for 18 years and was survived by his wife and two children.