Sheriff: Man killed in St. Johns County deputy-involved shooting attempted to murder man just before death
Share this @internewscast.com

Sheriff Robert Hardwick reported that Kristopher Johnson allegedly tried to murder a colleague at a construction site shortly before he met his own demise on U.S. 1 soon after.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — On Wednesday, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office unveiled fresh insights into the fatal shooting involving deputies that unfolded on U.S. 1 the previous afternoon.

During a press briefing, Sheriff Robert Hardwick revealed that the deceased was 43-year-old Kristopher Johnson. Johnson, originally from New York, had a record of violent offenses both in New York and in St. Johns County.

Hardwick explained that Johnson was experiencing a “difficult separation” from his former girlfriend in the weeks leading up to the incident.

At approximately 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Johnson’s former girlfriend, whose identity was withheld, visited a police station in St. Augustine to voice her fears about Johnson’s purported stalking behavior. Authorities advised her to pursue a restraining order against him, according to Hardwick.

Later, at 3:40 p.m., the SJSO received a call from Johnson while he was meeting with his ex-girlfriend at 38 Thomas Industry Way—a location both parties were familiar with. Hardwick noted that Johnson remained silent throughout the call with the dispatcher.

Hardwick explained that in the 911 call, you can hear “a man pleading for his life… and our suspect (Johnson) is basically telling him to get on his knees, that this is basically the end.”

Shortly after, Hardwick said SJSO received six additional 911 calls from witnesses who were describing the situation.

Hardwick said Johnson was chasing a man, whose identity was also not released, around a vehicle while firing multiple shots. He said the man eventually got underneath his vehicle, as Johnson then began firing shots at him. According to Hardwick, detectives recovered 14 shell casings from the scene.

Johnson then ran out of ammo or had a malfunction with his gun, Hardwick said, as the man then took off running.

Johnson then began looking for the man by driving onto the construction site, but did not find him.

Afterward, Hardwick said Johnson went back to the scene where shots were fired, and got into the man’s vehicle, driving down Thomas Industry Way towards International Golf Parkway.

“Unbeknownst to him, our victim had actually jumped into another car on International Golf Parkway, begging for his life [and] telling that person to please stop and call 911,” Hardwick said.

Johnson’s 911 call still was active at this time, which Hardwick said helped dispatchers coordinate sending deputies to the area.

Hardwick said Johnson then turned onto U.S. 1 after turning onto International Golf Parkway. He said a deputy spotted him and attempted a PIT maneuver to stop Johnson, but was unsuccessful.

The deputy then tried a second PIT maneuver on Johnson, Hardwick said, which was successful. Johnson then came to a stop on the shoulder of the highway, just south of White Castle Road.

At this time, a second deputy arrived on scene, Hardwick said.

According to Hardwick, Johnson exited the man’s vehicle, and then started waving his gun while saying, “shoot me, shoot me, shoot me. Kill me.”

Hardwick said the two deputies shot Johnson after he did not comply with their commands for him to drop his gun.

After being shot, Hardwick said Johnson then dropped in the middle of U.S. 1, as deputies then began giving him first aid. Johnson was later taken to a hospital where he died, Hardwick said.

“You can definitely tell he’s going to kill him,” Hardwick said about Johnson in the first shooting at the construction site. “Matter of fact, it almost sounds like an execution. ‘Get on your knees’ is basically what he’s saying. ‘It’s gonna end today. I’ve already called 911, they’re on the phone, they’re already coming.’ He knows he’s gonna take this man’s life.”

Hardwick said Johnson and the man he’s accused of shooting at, knew each other though working together at the same company. He added that Johnson’s ex-girlfriend wasn’t on scene of either shooting, and that Johnson had a pre-arranged meeting at the job site with the man; the reason for the meeting is still under investigation, according to Hardwick.

Below are pictures SJSO released of Johnson’s gun.




Full press conference:

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Galveston plane crash today: At least 5 killed after Mexican Navy plane crash in Galveston, Texas

Tragic Plane Crash in Galveston: Mexican Navy Aircraft Accident Claims 5 Lives

A small aircraft belonging to the Mexican Navy crashed on Monday near…
Should Florida truck drivers be required to take CDL testing, instruction in English?

Florida Debates English-Only CDL Testing for Truck Drivers: Implications for Safety and Diversity

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Blaise Ingoglia, is spearheading a legislative push aimed…
Cities across Europe revise Christmas traditions, triggering public backlash

European Cities Tweak Christmas Traditions: Public Outrage and Cultural Debate Ensue

‘Modern’ nativity sparks outrage in Belgium In a provocative twist to traditional…
China quietly loads 100+ ICBMs into new missile silos near Mongolia: report

China’s Strategic Shift: Over 100 ICBMs Deployed in New Missile Silos Near Mongolia

According to a draft report from the Pentagon, as viewed by Reuters,…
Brown University custodian told security suspicious man was ‘casing’ building weeks before shooting: report

Brown University Ignored Custodian’s Warning: Security Alert Raised Weeks Before Campus Shooting

A custodian at Brown University has come forward with claims that he…
Ohio kids as young as 8 steal car, lead police on chase crash into home, worried about Santa, presents: police

Ohio Children, Aged 8, Involved in Car Theft and Police Pursuit, Crash into Home: Concerns Over Santa and Christmas Presents Emerge

Three young boys from Ohio, with an 11-year-old behind the wheel, led…
Today in History: December 23, Franco Harris makes the ‘Immaculate Reception’

Relive December 23: Franco Harris’ Legendary ‘Immaculate Reception’ Moment

As we mark Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the countdown to the new…
Macgregor: 1971 Gold Betrayal Stole Middle Class

1971 Gold Standard Abandonment: Macgregor Claims It Dismantled the Middle Class

Retired Army Col. Douglas Macgregor is sounding an alarm that cuts across…
ECHL players are on the verge of a strike as CBA talks reach an impasse

Breaking News: ECHL Players Poised for Strike Amid Stalled CBA Negotiations

The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is teetering on the brink of…
What is Festivus? What to know about the holiday from 'Seinfeld' for the rest of us

Discover the Meaning Behind Festivus: The ‘Seinfeld’ Holiday Tradition Explained

Are you finding it hard to connect with the festive cheer this…
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement

Groundbreaking: Aetna Expands IVF Coverage to Support Same-Sex Couples Nationwide

Mara Berton and June Higginbotham, like countless young girls, always dreamed of…
Bill Clinton spokesperson urges DOJ to release all remaining Epstein files

Uncovering the Truth: Bill Clinton’s Spokesperson Demands DOJ to Release Hidden Epstein Files

Recent revelations from Justice Department files have reignited discussions surrounding former President…