Roll of Honor
Incident
Investigator Donald Johnston succumbed to an illness contracted as a result of a gunshot wound received 12 years earlier.
The shooting occurred when he responded to a call at a bank near the intersection of Valley Mall and Ramona Boulevard involving a male attempting to cash a forged check. Investigator Johnston was confronted by the suspect who pulled out a gun. As Investigator Johnston pushed a civilian out of the line of fire, he was shot in the neck. The shot caused Investigator Johnston paralysis below the waist.
The suspect was apprehended but later committed suicide in jail.
Although confined to a wheelchair, Investigator Johnston continued serving with the El Monte Police department as a background investigator and helicopter observer. His health continued to deteriorate and he contracted cancer as a result.
Investigator Johnston had been employed with the El Monte Police Department for 14 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-1980C8B3- 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.
Investigator Johnston gave the El Monte Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the El Monte community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Investigator Johnston.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Investigator Donald 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 El Monte Police Department, 4 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Donald R. Johnston's cause is highlighted.
How Donald R. Johnston Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Donald R. Johnston is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Donald R. Johnston was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from El Monte Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
