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
Elizabeth Smart blasts Ghislaine Maxwell’s ‘country club’ prison treatment: ‘Makes me sick’

Elizabeth Smart Condemns Ghislaine Maxwell’s ‘Luxury’ Prison Conditions: ‘It’s Appalling

Elizabeth Smart has expressed her anger over reports that Ghislaine Maxwell, the…
State Attorney's Office to seek death penalty for suspect in deadly Putnam County stabbing

Putnam County Stabbing Case: State Attorney Pursues Death Penalty for Suspect

The harrowing nature of a recent crime in Putnam County, Florida, has…
Hot Takes: Dems Melt Down Over Kennedy Center Name Change - Ric Grenell Levels Them With Reality

Democrats React Strongly to Kennedy Center’s Name Change as Ric Grenell Weighs In

The Kennedy Center board recently made a significant decision to honor former…
Target Lady Has Last Laugh on AWFL Grinch Who Tried to Steal Christmas, Gets Roaring Welcome at TPUSA

Target Employee Triumphs Over AWFL Grinch: Heartwarming Comeback at TPUSA Event

At 72 years old, Jeanie Beeman, a Target employee, received a warm…
Several elephants killed in train collision as impact causes multiple coaches to derail

Tragic Train Collision Claims Elephant Lives and Derails Multiple Coaches: Urgent Call for Wildlife Safety Measures

In a tragic incident early Saturday, a high-speed passenger train struck a…
When does Girl Scout cookie season start?

Unlock the Sweetness: Your Ultimate Guide to Girl Scout Cookie Season 2024

The much-anticipated Girl Scout cookie season is just around the corner, bringing…
LA deputies caught on camera racing into foggy ocean to rescue disoriented paragliders

Los Angeles Deputies Heroically Dive into Foggy Waters to Rescue Stranded Paragliders

Two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies heroically saved two paragliders from a…
Cruise ship chaos mounts as deaths, crimes on board shatter illusions of safety at sea, experts warn

Cruise Ship Concerns Escalate: Experts Highlight Rising Onboard Incidents and Safety Challenges

Cruise ships have long been a popular choice for American vacationers, offering…
NYCHA must be central to Mamdani housing plan

Transforming NYC Housing: Why NYCHA is Key to Mamdani’s Visionary Plan

For a glimpse into New York’s housing outlook, it’s crucial to consider…
After firing Steve Wilks, Aaron Glenn needs to get next DC hire right

Aaron Glenn Faces Crucial Decision: Finding the Right Defensive Coordinator After Steve Wilks’ Departure

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is proactively searching for a new defensive…
Boy, 15, and man, 38, slashed in Midtown Manhattan subway attacks 1 hour apart

Midtown Manhattan Subway Attacks: Teen and Adult Injured in Separate Incidents Within an Hour

In a troubling series of events on Saturday evening, two individuals fell…
AG Pam Bondi has 'conflict of interest' in seeking death penalty against Luigi Mangione, defense says

Conflict of Interest: AG Pam Bondi’s Controversial Pursuit of the Death Penalty in Luigi Mangione Case

NEW YORK — In a recent court submission, attorneys representing Luigi Mangione…