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Armed Suspect Killed During Foot Chase With Officers
Published 3 years ago
In January 2021, Officers were conducting a traffic stop outside the Lavish Lounge in Lawton, OK. During the traffic stop, the Lavish Lounge owner can be seen arguing with Officer's, telling them they are trespassing on his property.
Officer's proceed to go inside the Lavish Longue, when the owner walks inside after them asking why the Lounge is now being searched.
As seen in the footage, Officer's state that the owner is causing and obstruction to justice by telling police they are invading his private property.
With the dispute continuing, Officer's begin to hear gunshots outside of the Lavish Longue. The suspect was spotted taking multiple shots at an SUV driving by. Police Officer's began in a foot chase with the suspect that lead only a few blocks.
The Officer actively engaged in the foot chase calls for air support and vehicle support just before catching up to the suspect. Coming around the corner, the Officer noticed the suspect taking a firearm out of his pants. The Officer told the suspect multiple times "You better stop" and "You better drop that".
The suspect, not complying and continuing to reach for his firearm, the Officer takes multiple shots to neutralize the suspect.
The suspect, was later identified as 24-year-old Zonterious Johnson. After the Officer involved shooting took place, medical procedures were utilized on Johnson until a medical unit arrived on the scene. Johnson was later pronounced deceased.
After a 4 month long investigation, it was ruled that the Police actions were justified in this incident. The suspect being armed, actively shooting, refusing to drop his firearm, and avoid police was enough to rule this as an obstruction to justice. Therefore lethal force was just for this situation.
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