Off-duty Ark. officer killed by stray bullet inside his home

By PoliceOne Staff

FORREST CITY, Ark. — An off-duty police officer was killed after being struck by a stray bullet while at home.

Forrest City Officer Oliver Johnson, 25, was at home Saturday playing games with his family when a bullet struck and killed him, The Washington Post reported. Lt. Eric Varner, spokesman for the Forrest City Police Department, said a fight between several people outside the apartment complex where Johnson lived escalated into a shooting. Police said Johnson was not a target.

“We’re at a loss for words. We’re deeply saddened by this,” Lt. Varner said.

Officer Oliver Johnson, (late 20s) shot and killed playing with kids inside when bullets came flying through. I had to walk straight past those kids to get to the unit.. Seeing their faces is perhaps the most heartbreaking thing I’ve done in a while. pic.twitter.com/Ouaum2q6LY

— Tony Atkins (@TonyAtkinsFOX13) April 28, 2018

Portia Weatherspoon, Johnson’s neighbor, told WATN that she found out about the shooting after hearing Johnson’s nephews yell out that their uncle was shot. Weatherspoon said she and her husband attempted to perform CPR on Johnson.

Police said they are searching for a suspect, and that no one else was injured in the shooting.

Johnson, who had been with the department for three years, left behind a fiance and two young daughters.

The agency set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Johnson’s family.

Up to 6 bullet holes in the windows of fallen Forrest City Police Officer Oliver Johnson’s apartment. Investigators say he was not the intended target. Johnson was in his late 20’s and had two little daughters, the youngest 2 years old. Suspects have not been arrested. #WMC5 pic.twitter.com/mvJZUHl87p

— Chris Luther (@cluther_wmc5) April 28, 2018