Police officer accused of making up gunman story will face charges
After he crashed his police SUV in the woods, where it was destroyed by the ensuing flames, Bryan Johnson told police that he’d wrecked his car because a gunman in a dark pick-up truck fired at him. According to Johnson, the gunman was still on the loose in the small town of Millis, Mass.
As numerous heavily armed law enforcement agents searched for him Wednesday, they placed the town, including the local schools, on lockdown for more than six hours.
They never found the gunman. Police said Johnson made the entire story up.
Johnson, 24, was a part-time Millis police officer who was supposed to become a full-time member of the force. Now, he will be fired and will face criminal charges Friday in Wrentham District Court, according to a release from the Millis police department.
Millis police said Johnson fired shots at his own cruiser, but did not specify a motive for fabricating the story.
Johnson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Boston.com.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com