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Incident
Deputy Constable Gus Johnson was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who had been firing his gun in the roadway.
The suspect was accompanied by several other men who had also been shooting.
Deputy Johnson requested help from two Wheelwright police officers before approaching the men. The officers arrested the man's companions, but the man fled into a nearby garage.
As Deputy Johnson shined his light into the garage the man opened fire, mortally wounding Deputy Johnson. Despite the wound, he was able to return fire and killed the suspect.
Deputy Johnson succumbed to his wounds while being transported to a hospital in Pikeville, Kentucky.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Constable Johnson served with the Floyd County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Prestonburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Constable Johnson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Floyd County Constable's Office has lost 11 officers; 11 of them killed feloniously.
Gus is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Gus is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Gus is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1937, 2 officers at Floyd County Constable's Office were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1937, 10 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1937, 123 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 41st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1937, 123 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Gus was 35. Of the 11 killed feloniously at Floyd County Constable's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 44; the middle age was 35.
Gus was 35. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Gus was 35. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Gus was 35. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 9.1% of these deaths at Floyd County Constable's Office; May holds the most, 18.2%. Thursdays: 9.1%.
August holds 8.3% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Thursdays: 13%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 11 deaths at Floyd County Constable's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 63.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 26.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Floyd County Constable's Office has 11 officers remembered here, Gus among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Floyd County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
