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St. Johns County Deputies Kill Armed Suspect After PIT Stop on U.S. 1

Investigators seek public video in an ongoing review of the deputies' use of lethal force.

Overview

  • Authorities identified the deceased as Kristopher Lee Johnson, 43, who was shot after exiting a stopped truck with a gun and ignoring commands.
  • A 911 call released by the sheriff's office captured Johnson ordering a coworker to get on his knees as multiple gunshots were fired.
  • Investigators found 14 spent shell casings at the initial confrontation site and recovered a .40-caliber handgun at the shooting scene.
  • Deputies used a PIT maneuver to stop a stolen pickup on U.S. 1, and Johnson walked away waving a gun and yelling "shoot me" before two deputies opened fire.
  • The two deputies were placed on administrative leave as standard procedure, and the sheriff's office is asking the public to upload any relevant home, business, or cellphone video.