Three Oklahoma highway patrollers were injured and critically ill Thursday, while transporting the remains of the sergeant. Craig Johnson, who was killed during a traffic stop earlier this week.
Soldiers were driving a motorcycle procession through Johnson when the accident occurred in the westbound lanes of the Kilpatrick Turnpike, KWTV reported.
Emergency crews arrived at the scene and a helicopter was also dispatched to the crash site. The police officers were escorting Johnson’s body to the state coroner’s office, according to KWTV.
Republican Governor Kevin Stitt released a statement about the accident, asking people to pray for the injured soldiers and their families.
“I ask Oklahoma residents to join the First Lady and me in praying for the recovery of the injured Oklahoma Highway Patrol soldiers, their families and all those affected by this terrible accident,” said. “It is always difficult to receive them. The news that first responders were injured in the line of duty, but it is especially heartbreaking to know that this incident happened during the procession of an officer who was senselessly killed while protecting her community.”
OFFICIAL TULSA SHOT DURING TRAFFIC STOP HAS DEAD, POLICE ANNOUNCES
Tulsa Mayor GT Bynum, also a Republican, said during a press conference that no Tulsa police officer was injured in the accident.
Johnson was shot Monday after he and Officer Aurash Zarkeshan arrested David Anthony Ware, 32, for expiring paper tags. Ware allegedly refused to leave the vehicle after being informed that the car was likely to be towed.
The encounter escalated from there before one of the officers attempted to taunt Ware, but was able to pull the tips of the Taser pistol out and continued to be belligerent. One of the officers then used pepper spray to subdue him.
After officers tried to force him out of the car, he pulled a pistol out from under his seat and began shooting at them. Both men were shot multiple times, according to the arrest affidavit. Ware and his alleged accomplice, Matt Hall, 29, were arrested and detained after the incident.
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Johnson, husband and father of two children, succumbed to his injuries Tuesday.
Zarkeshan survived but is currently hospitalized and receiving treatment for a gunshot wound to the head. His condition is constantly improving and he may respond to the doctor’s orders, according to The Associated Press.
