Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Johnson was shot and killed in the Oakland section of Contra Costa County while attempting to serve a writ of ejectment.
As he attempted to evict the man he was shot in the chest and killed. A grand jury failed to indict the subject.
Deputy Johnson was survived by his wife and two children.
Survivors
Deputy Johnson was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqz4aseajm0e993e7bbz- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
174 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Johnson served with the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Martinez community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1852, 1 officer in CA was killed feloniously, the 145th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1852, 10 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 171st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1852, 10 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 179th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 34. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35.
William was 34. 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.
William was 34. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 8.1% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 16.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 7.4% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
