Sergeant Craig Vincent Johnson, Tulsa Police Department, Oklahoma

Sergeant Craig Vincent Johnson

Tulsa Police Department, Oklahoma

End of Watch Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Add to My Heroes

Craig Vincent Johnson

Sergeant Craig Johnson succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained the previous morning when he was shot multiple times during a traffic stop near the intersection of East 21st Street and South 89th East Avenue.

An officer on Sergeant Johnson's squad had conducted the traffic stop at 3:30 am and determined the vehicle had to be impounded. The driver refused to exit the vehicle despite using de-escalation techniques and non-lethal force, including pepper spray and a taser. As Sergeant Johnson and the other officer continued their attempts to remove the driver, the man reached under the driver's seat and retrieved a handgun. He opened fire on both officers, striking each multiple times in the head and torso.

The man then fled the scene with the assistance of a friend whom he had called for help during the traffic stop.

The subject was arrested later in the day and subsequently charged with first-degree murder. On April 22, 2021, he was guilty of first-degree murder, shooting with intent to kill, possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, possession of drugs with intent to distribute, and obstructing an officer. On April 9, 2022, he was sentenced to death. The friend who aided his escape was found guilty of two counts of accessory to a felony and sentenced to 24 years in prison.

The other officer who was shot was in critical condition for a few months. He returned to work in November 2020.

Sergeant Johnson had served with the Tulsa Police Department for 15 years. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

On November 3, 2021, a stretch of Highway 169 from 51st to 81st was renamed the Sergeant Craig Johnson Memorial Highway.

Bio

Age 45
Tour 15 years
Badge 2150

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Monday, June 29, 2020
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to death

convicted felon, traffic stop

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 259 Reflections

Seargeant Johnson, im sorry for what occured on that traffic stop almost 5 years ago, as that human trash took your life and wounded your other officer. Thankfully however, he survived. But on the bright side, that man was caught and arrested, and he is now serving the death sentence, as his time will come soon. Ever since i saw the video of that stop, it made me realize how evil some people are to have the nerve to harm an officer who was just doing their job and doing what they're supposed to do. As for the man who took your life, he was too much of a coward to take the jail sentence and face his punishment, and instead chose to make a decision that would prove how much of a vile human being he truly is. But as of now, just know your service as an officer and seargeant is highly appreciated, and i salute you for making the brave choice to become a police officer, and making your city safer. As of now, may you rest in peace knowing your service is appreciated, and you are having a better life in the afterlife. Rest easy seargeant.

Morgan
civilian

February 13, 2025