From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
SYLACAUGA — A Childersburg man was shot and killed by a officer of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency during a traffic stop last night, according to Carol Robinson. Authorities reported that Gerald Richard Johns, 64, tried to drag the officer in his car, resulting in the officer shooting him.
The incident happened at 5:20 p.m. on March 28 outside of Sylacauga when an ALEA state trooper attempted to stop Johns, who was driving a white Mazda Miata. Johns did not stop and a vehicle pursuit began.
When Johns eventually pulled over, the trooper left his vehicle and tried to arrest him. However, Johns is said to have driven off while the officer was hanging on the car. The officer then fired his weapon once and struck Johns in the chest, killing him.
The officer was later taken to a hospital to be treated for injuries and released. An officer-involved shooting advisory notice was sent.
The case is being investigated by the State Bureau of Investigation with the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office and the Talladega County District Attorney’s Office.