CHARLESTON, W.Va. (NewsNation Now) — A West Virginia police officer died Thursday afternoon, two days after being shot by a suspect while responding to a parking complaint.
The city of Charleston announced officer Cassie Johnson’s death in a news release Thursday.
Johnson, 28, joined the city as a humane officer in October 2017 and was sworn in as a patrol officer in January 2019.
“Cassie was an exemplary police officer. She embodied everything that the Charleston Police Department is and strives to be — courageous, compassionate and selfless for the citizens of the city that she loved,” Police Chief Tyke Hunt said in the statement. “Her legacy will live on in the officers and the citizens that she touched and inspired everyday.”
City flags were ordered lowered to half-staff immediately.
“We are heartbroken at the loss of Cassie,” Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin said. “She was always willing to lend an extra hand, going above and beyond in every situation. The City of Charleston is a safer, more vibrant place because of Cassie and we are grateful for her service.”
Joshua M. Phillips, 38, of Charleston, is accused of shooting Johnson, Sheriff Mike Rutherford said. Phillips also was wounded on Tuesday and was caught a short distance away. He remained hospitalized. No charges were filed immediately.
According to a criminal complaint, Phillips had been free on bond from a January 2020 weapon-related arrest, NewsNation affiliate WOWK reported.
Tributes to Johnson poured in from state officials.
“I know our entire home state feels the loss of a first responder – those who are selflessly willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect and serve our communities,” U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin said.
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said on the Senate floor that everyone should recognize the sacrifices that police officers make.
“Police officers like Officer Johnson never know what’s around the corner,” Capito said. “You never know. She thought she was going for a parking violation. It’s a hard job and one that is rarely appreciated enough.”
Capito released more details in the shooting, saying Johnson was shot in the chest shortly after arriving on scene. Capito said the bullet struck Johnson’s badge and deflected to her neck where it struck a main artery.
Johnson was pronounced dead Thursday afternoon. She was an organ donor and will donate her organs to save the lives of others.
“We may never know who receives Patrolman Cassie Johnson’s final gifts, but I feel certain that those who know the recipients will see a difference in them. I think they will see Cassie’s glow that radiates her desire to help,” Chief Hunt said.
The Associated Press and WOWK contributed to this report