Tulsa Police Officer Shot in the Head During Traffic Stop Dies

TULSA, Oklahoma -- A Tulsa police officer who was shot in the head during a traffic stop early Monday morning died Tuesday afternoon.

Sgt. Craig Johnson sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including a critical wound to his head, and after undergoing surgery, his prognosis did not improve and he was placed on life support, according to a news release.

Johnson was taken off of life support at 1:19 p.m. and, in a decision made with his family, his organs will be donated as his final act of service.

Prior to Johnson's death, Police Chief Wendell Franklin awarded him with the Tulsa Police Department Purple Heart for injuries sustained in the line of duty.

"I want to thank the Johnson family for giving their son to the Tulsa Police Department and citizens of Tulsa. His sacrifice will be forever remembered," Franklin said in a statement.

Johnson and Officer Aurash Zarkeshan initially stopped David Ware at 8900 East 21st street at about 3:30 a.m. on June 29 when a scuffle ensued.

Officials said that is when Ware pulled out a gun and fired multiple times, wounding both of the the officers before fleeing the scene.

A manhunt was launched for Ware and after following several leads officers were able track the suspect to a house. When officers surrounded the house, Wise surrendered.

Zarkeshan, who also sustained a gunshot wound to his head, remains in critical condition.

Johnson joined the department in 2005, and was a patrol officer at Mingo Valley Division until he was promoted to Sergeant in 2015. After his promotion, he worked as a Divisional Investigator at Gilcrease Division until August of 2019 and was last assigned to Mingo Valley Division as a graveyard shift supervisor.

"Sergeant Johnson was a good man who made our lives better, who trained his fellow officers to be better. As our city mourns, the best thing we can do is to be there for his family - and especially his wonderful boys," Tulsa Mayor GT Bynum said in a statement. "Tulsa is a city that loves and honors heroes. Today, we feel the tremendous pain of losing one. In the days ahead, I hope that both the Johnson family and the men and women of the Tulsa Police Department will feel our city gathered around them - showing the same love for them that Sergeant Johnson showed for us."

The mayor has authorized the lowering of flags at City of Tulsa facilities to pay respect for Johnson and his family.

Johnson leaves behind his two young boys, his wife and his parents.

Funeral arrangements are pending.