Sunday, September 1, 2013
7:30 PM
INVESTIGATIVE UPDATE
DRAPER, Utah. As the murder investigation of Sergeant Derek Johnson has been ongoing, investigators learned that Sergeant Johnson came across a vehicle, a silver Volvo, which was parked in an unusual manner at 13200 S. Fort Street. The 35-year-old male and 34-year-old female were with the vehicle. As Sergeant Johnson approached the couple in his vehicle the male ambushed him and began firing at Sergeant Johnson. Sergeant Johnson drove down the street with the suspect continuing to fire at him. Sergeant Johnson veered off the side of the road and collided with a tree approximately three blocks north on Fort Street. Sergeant Johnson was never able to return fire. Officers quickly responded, began rendering aid to Sergeant Johnson, and took the suspects into custody. Sergeant Johnson later passed away at the hospital of injuries sustained from the shooting.
Investigators have also learned that prior to the shooting the couple had been involved in a traffic accident at 900 E. 13800 S. where they struck some fixed objects and fled. Investigators also believe that at some time during the incident the male shot the female, and after shooting Sergeant Johnson, the male suspect turned the gun on himself. One firearm was recovered at the scene.
Both the male suspect and female victim are in area hospitals still in critical condition. The investigation is still ongoing and as new information is available it will be released.
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Contact: Maridene Hancock, Public Relations Officer, Office of the Mayor, Draper City
(801) 576-6527 Cell: (801) 831-7224
Justin Hoyal, Unified Police Department, (801) 884-7024