Roll of Honor
Incident
Trooper Charles Johnson and Trooper Thomas Hercules were shot and killed in Paw Paw, West Virginia, while serving an arrest warrant on a burglary suspect. After the initial arrest the officers took the suspect to his home to allow him to collect some personal belongings. Trooper Hercules waited in the patrol car as Trooper Johnson took him inside. While inside the suspect was able to gain control of Trooper Johnson's service weapon and shot him to death. The man then ran outside and exchanged shots with Trooper Hercules. The suspect then stole the patrol car and fled. He committed suicide three days later as officers closed in on his location. Trooper Johnson had served with the West Virginia State Police for seven years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter. A section of US Highway 522 south of Berkeley Springs was renamed in honor of Trooper Johnson and Trooper Hercules.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WV-D3EB9D54- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Trooper Johnson gave the West Virginia State Police 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of West Virginia. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Trooper Johnson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Trooper Charles Henry Johnson is one of 17,559 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,586 officers honored here.
In WV, 169 of 232 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 72.8% of this state's fallen. That is 18.9 percentage points above the national rate of 53.9%.
At West Virginia State Police, 21 of 42 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles Henry Johnson's cause is highlighted.
How Charles Henry Johnson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles Henry Johnson is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles Henry Johnson was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
41 officers from West Virginia State Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
