Inspector John R. Johnston

John R. Johnston

Inspector Johnston was shot and killed while investigating possible burglary activity. He observed two suspicious males and called him over to his unmarked car. While talking to the two, one 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 killer, 31, and his accomplice, 21, were apprehended and charged with murder and eight counts of burgary.

On October 17, 1946, both were convicted of eight counts of burglary and sentenced to 36 years each. The 31-year-old was found to be insane and committed in a state mental hospital. On April 26, 1948 he was found to be sane and returned to Oakland to stand trial for Inspector Johnson's murder. On May 7, 1948, he was found guilty of second degree murder and sentenced to 41 years. 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.