Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Johnny Johnson was shot and killed with his own service weapon after stopping a stolen vehicle at 10:50 pm. Patrolman Johnson was on patrol when he observed the vehicle. He began following the vehicle and was waiting for backup before attempting to stop the vehicle. The driver of the car suddenly pulled into a parking lot and stopped the car on Route 16 west of the Route 126 intersection, forcing Patrolman Johnson to initiate a felony traffic stop before his backup arrived. When he ordered both occupants out of the vehicle, the passenger fled on foot. Patrolman Johnson stayed with the driver, who then also attempted to flee. Patrolman Johnson was able to catch one of the suspects, but during the ensuing struggle, the man was able to gain control of his service weapon and shot him. The suspect then shot him twice more as he lay on the ground. He died from his wounds during surgery at Framingham Union Hospital. The 22-year-old shooter, who had outstanding warrants for assault and battery and armed robbery, was apprehended three hours later following a massive manhunt. Patrolman Johnson's service weapon was never located. Patrolman Johnson's killer was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to life. He was denied parole five times before being released in August 2024. Patrolman Johnson was a United States Air Force veteran and had served with the Holliston Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MA-237F173E- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Johnson gave the Holliston Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Holliston community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
John E. Johnson served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman John E. Johnson is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In MA, 199 of 469 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.4% of this state's fallen. That is 11.8 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John E. Johnson's cause is highlighted.
How John E. Johnson Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 2024
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John E. Johnson is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John E. Johnson was killed by officer's handgun.