San Bernardino Shooting Survivor Says Co-Worker Shannon Johnson Saved Her Life
SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA.com) — In the terrifying moments when gunmen entered the Inland Regional Center on Wednesday and opened fire on a large group of San Bernardino County employees, Denise Peraza says the actions of her co-worker, Shannon Johnson, saved her life.
Just minutes after Peraza and Johnson were sitting at a table joking about how slow the clock seemed to be moving at their required office function, they were assailed by bullets.
"I would have never guessed that only 5 minutes later, we would be huddled next to each other under that same table, using a fallen chair as a shield from over 60 rounds of bullets being fired across the room," Peraza, who was recovering from a gunshot wound to the lower back, said in a written statement.
In those moments, she said, Shannon Johnson, held her tight and tried to protect her.
"Amidst all the chaos, I'll always remember him saying these three words, 'I got you.' I believe I am still here today because of this amazing man," she said. "This amazing, selfless man who always brought a smile to everyone's face in the office with his lively stories about his hometown back in Georgia. This is Shannon Johnson, who will be deeply missed by all. This is Shannon Johnson. My
friend, my hero."
Johnson, who was 45, was remembered by his longtime girlfriend on Friday, too.
"He was the nicest guy in all the land," said Mandy Pifer. "He was a superstar."
