BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Photo above is Bibb County Deputy Brad Johnson enjoying a fishing trip. The deputy was removed from life support today after being shot by a man who had reportedly stolen a vehicle and has an extensive criminal record. (Photo from public social media post by the family.)
Officials are responding to news of the death of Bibb County Deputy Brad Johnson, who was removed from life support today.
Brad and a fellow officer were both shot Wednesday by a suspect who is now in custody.
The suspect fired upon the officers when they came into contact with him while driving a stolen vehicle in Bibb County around 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Deputy Chris Poole was also injured in the shooting but thankfully has been released and is recovering.
Attorney General Steve Marshall released the following statement concerning the line of duty death of Bibb County Deputy Sheriff Brad Johnson.
“Alabama feels the heavy loss of another law enforcement hero who gave his life while putting his sworn duty to protect the public ahead of his own personal safety,” said Attorney General Steve Marshall.
“Bibb County Deputy Sheriff Brad Johnson and fellow Deputy Chris Poole were each met with gunfire as they engaged an armed suspect who was driving a stolen vehicle off of Alabama Highway 25 on Golfer’s Trail, in rural Bibb County around 4:00 pm Wednesday.
“Both deputies were transported by ambulance to UAB Medical Center in Birmingham where they received emergency treatment. Sadly, Deputy Johnson never recovered from his serious head injury and was removed from life support Thursday afternoon.
“I would like to ask all Alabamians to pause and reflect on the loss of Deputy Brad Johnson and to pray for his family. As Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade noted, Deputy Johnson will continue to save lives through organ donations.
“Deputy Johnson, age 32, was a 7-year veteran of the Bibb County Sheriff’s office. He is survived by his fiancée, two children and his parents.
“Deputy Chris Poole, age 30, was released from the hospital and is thankfully recovering from his injuries.
“Shooting suspect, Austin Patrick Hall, a convicted felon with a lengthy record of violent offenses, was captured after an approximate 16-hour manhunt. My office assisted in the multiple agency effort to capture Hall and bring him to justice.
“My Office is closely scrutinizing the policies that allowed for a violent offender, like Hall, to walk free. The justice system failed these officers and I will do everything in my power to ensure that doesn’t happen again.”
ALEA Secretary Issues Statement for Fallen Bibb County Sheriff’s Deputy
MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Secretary Hal Taylor issued the following statement concerning Deputy Brad Johnson of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, who passed after being shot on Wednesday, June 29, while on duty:
“It is a solemn day among the entire law enforcement community within Alabama as we all mourn the tragic and heartbreaking loss of Deputy Johnson. On behalf of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, I would like to extend my deepest and sincerest condolences to Deputy Johnson’s family, his colleagues with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and everyone that knew and loved him. Truly, Bibb County and the State of Alabama has lost one of its heroes.
“In addition to Deputy Johnson’s heroic sacrifice, our thoughts and prayers are also with his colleague, Deputy Chris Poole, who was struck by gunfire over the course of the incident. Deputy Poole has since been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.”
Along with sharing our sincerest condolences, we pledge to make all resources available to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office as well as the surrounding community as they grieve and cope with this unfortunate and heartbreaking situation.”
