Police department announces Tulsa police officer shot in traffic stop has died

Tulsa police officer shot Monday during a routine traffic stop dies.

Published: July 1, 2020 8:28am

Updated: July 1, 2020 10:13am

The Tulsa, Oklahoma, police officer shot during a traffic stop this week died Tuesday, according to police officials.

Sgt. Craig Johnson was shot Monday during the traffic stop, in which a second officer also was wounded. The officer, Aurash Zarkeshan, reportedly has non life-threatening wounds.

Authorites have charged David Anthony Ware with first-degree murder in connection with Johnson's death.

Ware was pulled over for a non-moving violation and reportedly tried to attack the officers with pepper spray and a taser before shooting at them. A second suspect, identified by authorities as Matt Hall, has also been charged in  connection with the incident.

Johnson is survived by his wife, two young children and his parents. 

“In this moment of terrible loss for our city, I can’t help but think of John Chapter 15, Verse 13. ‘No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.’ Sgt. Craig Johnson lost his life protecting the lives of every Tulsan,” Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said in a statement.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt released his statement on his social media

“My hope is that Sgt. Johnson is forever remembered by the heroism, courage, and bravery he displayed while protecting Tulsa for 15 years,” he said.

 

 

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News