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A Chicago man has admitted guilt in a case involving the murder of one individual and the shooting of a police officer, thereby sidestepping a trial. The incident took place in January 2020.
Walter Johnson entered a guilty plea on Friday, acknowledging his role in the deadly shooting of a 26-year-old man and the subsequent wounding of a Chicago police officer on West Harrison Street. The officer, who suffered a gunshot wound to the wrist, fortunately survived the encounter.
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The violent episode began on South Karlov Avenue, where Johnson allegedly shot and killed the young man on a Wednesday afternoon. The fatal act was witnessed by a Chicago police sergeant, according to authorities.
Following the shooting, Johnson attempted to flee the scene in a white pick-up truck. The sergeant pursued him, but upon realizing he was being followed, Johnson reportedly exited his vehicle and fired multiple shots at the officer’s car.
Despite being injured, the officer maintained his resolve. Even as he was being transported to the hospital for his wrist injury, he spotted Johnson’s pick-up truck and urged his colleagues to continue the chase.
The suspect’s vehicle crashed in the 2000-block West Congress Parkway and Johnson was taken into custody, police said.
Johnson was charged with one count of first degree murder, one count of first degree attempted murder, one count of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and aggravated battery/discharge of a firearm.
The injured officer, who had been with the department for more than 20 years at the time, survived the shooting.
Johnson will be back in court Nov. 14 for a status hearing.