Thomas Dewitt Johnson, a 28-year-old African American male, died on June 4, 2014, in Jacksonville, Florida. His death occurred following a series of events that began with a shooting incident at the Grande Court Apartments on Blanding Boulevard. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Johnson was involved in a dispute that escalated into a shooting, during which he shot another individual.
Following the shooting, Johnson fled the scene in his vehicle.
Officer James Busque, who was responding to the shooting, spotted Johnson driving away from the apartment complex. A high-speed chase ensued, during which Johnson drove recklessly, endangering other drivers on the road. Officer Busque performed a tactical maneuver to stop Johnson's vehicle near London Bridge Lane. Johnson exited the vehicle holding a gun and attempted to flee on foot. When ordered to stop, Johnson turned towards Officer Busque with his gun raised, prompting the officer to fire his weapon. Johnson was struck by two bullets and died at the scene.
The incident was classified as a police shooting, and Officer Busque's actions were later reviewed. The investigation concluded that Officer Busque acted appropriately and in accordance with police procedures. A witness to the shooting corroborated the officer's account of the events. This was Officer Busque's first officer-involved shooting in his four years with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
There were no arrests or charges filed against Officer Busque, as the investigation determined that he had acted in self-defense. The case did not result in any further litigation or legal actions. The death of Thomas Dewitt Johnson was a tragic outcome of a violent confrontation and subsequent police response.
