On a warm August evening in 1981, the town of Holliston, Massachusetts, was irrevocably altered by a sudden act of violence. John E. Johnson, a 31-year-old Caucasian male and a respected six-year veteran of the Holliston Police Department, was on patrol when he spotted a stolen vehicle. It was the night of August 13th, and what began as a seemingly routine police procedure would tragically escalate, ending the life of the dedicated officer. While waiting for backup to arrive, the stolen car unexpectedly pulled into a business parking lot off Route 16.
Forced to act before his support could get there, Officer Johnson initiated a felony traffic stop. He ordered the two occupants out of the car. As he did, one of the men, Jose Solivan, fled the scene on foot. Johnson remained with the second suspect, a 22-year-old named Rolando Jimenez, who also attempted to run. Johnson pursued Jimenez and a struggle broke out between the two men. During the altercation, Jimenez managed to gain control of Officer Johnson's service weapon and shot him. As Johnson lay wounded on the ground, Jimenez shot him twice more.
A massive manhunt involving over one hundred officers from Holliston, neighboring towns, and the State Police immediately followed. Within three hours, Rolando Jimenez, who was already wanted on outstanding warrants for assault and battery and armed robbery, was apprehended. The other suspect, Jose Solivan, was arrested in Worcester on September 9, 1981. Officer Johnson was rushed to Framingham Union Hospital, but he succumbed to his wounds during surgery. His service weapon was never recovered.
Rolando Jimenez was subsequently found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was denied parole on five separate occasions over the decades. However, in August 2024, after serving 42 years, Jimenez was released on parole, a decision that was met with dismay by the Holliston community and police department. Officer Johnson, a U.S. Air Force veteran, was survived by his wife and two young children.
