LONG BEACH—
A Washington State Patrol Trooper is recovering in an Oregon hospital after being shot twice early Saturday morning. Just before 1:00 in the morning along State Route 103 near 12th Street, Trooper Scott Johnson was preparing a car for towing when a suspect approached. Johnson acknowledged the man and a witness told detectives "the person said something gruff to Trooper Johnson" said Sgt. Freddy Williams.The tow truck driver, who was standing nearby, said Trooper Johnson continued his work until moments later when the man approached again. "The guy just came up behind him and shot him with a small caliber handgun" Sgt. Williams said. Johnson suffered two gunshot wounds, including one to the head. He was able to grab his own gun and fire at the suspect, but they're not sure if the shooter was hit.
Trooper Johnson was first transported to Ocean Beach Hospital in Long Beach. At that point, WSP reports that Johnson was conscious and able to speak when he was first transported. He was later taken to the Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland. Johnson is in good condition and even talked with Governor Chris Gregoire on the phone.
The tow truck driver, who was with Trooper Johnson, chased the suspect after he ran away - but the suspect started shooting at him. The driver was not hit and ran back to help Trooper Johnson.
Investigators have released a suspect sketch and description. The suspect is described as a white male, 35-40 years old with light tan complexion. He stands between 5'10" and 5'11", weighing about 185 - 200 pounds. He was wearing a dark colored insulated shirt and possibly a knit cap. He might be suffering from a gunshot wound.
Johnson is a 25-year veteran of the state patrol. He was born and raised in Pacific County and then assigned to the area upon graduation from the academy in 1984 and has worked in the area his entire career. He and his family reside locally and are well known in the community.
The driver of the vehicle that was being towed was arrested by a different trooper for driving under the influence. She was arrested and taken to a police station for booking when the shooting occurred. Detectives do not believe that the two incidents are related.
