Abilene chief names man killed after armed standoff

ABILENE, Texas - On Friday afternoon, a police chase ended with the death of a 33-year-old man, who police say started a standoff at a motel before fleeing the scene.

Around 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Abilene police were called to check on the welfare of Jeff Johnson, who reportedly barricaded himself in his room at the Best Western motel off of Overland Trail in Abilene.

According to Sgt. Lynn Beard, officers entered the room to initially find no illegal activity.

In a press release from the Abilene Police Department, Chief Stan Standridge said Johnson slammed and barricaded the hotel room door on the responding officers as they tried to speak to the calling party.

The report said Johnson then fired two shots and that one of the rounds passed through a wall narrowly missing an APD patrol officer standing outside the door.

Standridge also said Johnson jumped out of the second story window of the hotel room and fled the scene in a silver van.

APD said the van was spotted by an Abilene lake patrol officer near the hotel at a convenience store. Police said the suspect left the convenience store and was followed by the lake patrol officer.

Officers said they soon caught up to them, after the suspect entered the Texas State Veteran's Cemetery on FM 600.

The following is an excerpt from the press release sent from Standridge:

"Upon entering the cemetery, the suspect turned around and began to drive directly at the K9 Unit. The K9 officer attempted to reverse and avoid the collision; however, Johnson rammed the K9 Unit head-on.

"An APD officer, who exited the Tahoe prior to the collision, confronted Johnson who had exited his vehicle after the collision. Johnson reached for a visible handgun on his person at which time the APD officer fired, striking Johnson.

"Johnson was pronounced deceased at the scene by a Jones County Justice of the Peace. Johnson will be transported to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy.

"The officer driving the Tahoe received minor injuries and the K9 was uninjured. The Abilene Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division and the Texas Rangers are investigating.

"Early investigation indicates the officers acted with necessary and reasonable force. They have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard protocol for officer involved shootings."