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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
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
El Monte Police Department has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Donald is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Donald is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Donald is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2002, 5 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 82nd heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 2002, 73 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 96th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2002, 78 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 96th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Donald was 48. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Donald had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Donald was 48. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Donald had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Donald was 48. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Donald had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15.1%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at El Monte Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
El Monte Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Donald among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from El Monte Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
