Former Millis Police Officer Accused Of Fabricating Shooting Pleads Not Guilty
WRENTHAM (CBS/AP) -- A Millis police officer who was fired after allegedly fabricating a story about exchanging gunfire with a suspect pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Bryan Johnson, 24, arrived at Wrentham District Court Friday in handcuffs. He was arrested last week and charged with misleading a criminal investigation, communicating false information to emergency services, malicious destruction of property, and unlawful discharge of a firearm.
Johnson allegedly told investigators a suspect fired 2-to-3 shots at him before returning three shots of his own on Sept. 2.
The cruiser burst into flames and had to be towed from the scene.
According to court documents, Johnson said he started telling the truth the third time investigators spoke with him. He told them he shot his personal gun three times at his cruiser before driving to Forest Road.
He claimed to have blacked out before driving his cruiser off the road. Johnson said the vehicle was on fire and filling with smoke. He also said he left the vehicle and then fired his service weapon three times across the street.
The former part-time officer told investigators the truth was "incredibly embarrassing." He was hired in June as a permanent intermittent police officer for the town.
According to a police report, Johnson made up the story about the shooting because he was afraid of losing his job.
"It's a very disturbing situation," Millis police Sgt. William Dwyer said at a news conference announcing the charges.
Johnson surrendered his firearm after the incident.
Johnson has undergone a psychological evaluation at Norwood Hospital.
He has posted his $10,000 bail and was requested to wear an ankle monitor.
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