Roll of Honor
Incident
Inspector John Johnston was shot and killed while investigating possible burglary activity in the 400 block of Merritt Avenue shortly before 9:00 pm. Several officers were patrolling the area due to recent burglaries. He observed two suspicious men and called them over to his unmarked car. While talking to the two, one shot Inspector Johnson several times while Inspector Johnson was still seated behind the wheel of his car. No one knew of the shooting until an off-duty police officer stopped to investigate Inspector Johnston's vehicle, which was still parked in the middle of the street. The killer and his accomplice were apprehended and charged with murder and eight counts of burglary. On October 17th, 1946, both were convicted of eight counts of burglary and sentenced to 36 years in prison. The man who shot Inspector Johnston was found to be insane and committed to a state mental hospital. On April 26th, 1948, he was found to be sane and returned to Oakland to stand trial for murder. On May 7th, 1948, he was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to 41 years in prison. He was denied parole in 1960. Inspector Johnston had served with the Oakland Police Department for 18 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-C2E7E25A- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Inspector Johnston gave the Oakland Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Oakland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Inspector Johnston.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Inspector John R. Johnston 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 CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 1.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Oakland Police Department, 37 of 54 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 68.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John R. Johnston's cause is highlighted.
How John R. Johnston Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 41 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John R. Johnston is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John R. Johnston was killed by handgun; .45 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
53 officers from Oakland Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
