Ex-Dallas-area officer indicted in teen car theft suspect's fatal shooting
FARMERS BRANCH, Texas -- A grand jury has indicted a former suburban Dallas police officer in the shooting death of a teenage car theft suspect and the wounding of another boy.
The Dallas County jury this week indicted 36-year-old Ken Johnson on counts of murder and aggravated assault stemming from the March 13 incident that led to the death of 16-year-old Jose Cruz.
Johnson was employed as a Farmers Branch officer but was off-duty when authorities say he witnessed the teens stealing a vehicle. He chased them in his own vehicle. Surveillance video appears to show him ramming the one containing the teens, bringing them to a stop. Johnson fired into that car, striking the duo.
Johnson’s attorneys have said he feared for his life.
The surviving teen said Johnson did not identify himself as a police officer until after the shooting, reports CBS DFW. Johnson’s attorney says his client did so repeatedly, saying, “Police, show me your hands.”
He later resigned as an officer.