A police officer in West Virginia who was shot in the face on Tuesday in the line of duty will not survive her injuries and was taken off life support, authorities said.
“After undergoing surgery and many hours in critical condition it was determined that Patrolman Cassie Johnson cannot sustain life on her own and the decision was made to remove her from life support,” according to a fundraiser set up in support of Johnson’s family.
“In her final act as a true hero Patrolman, Johnson will be donating her organs to save the lives of others,” the page continues.
Charleston Police Department (CPD) Officer Johnson was taken off life support at about 3 p.m. on Wednesday, according to a report from the agency WBOY12. She has been with the police force since January 2019.
The 28-year-old officer was responding to a parking complaint Tuesday afternoon on Garrison Avenue in Charleston when a man pulled his gun and shot her in the face, Kanawha County Sheriff Mike Rutherford said during a press briefing.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Charleston Police Department,” the Kanawha County Commission wrote in a statement on Twitter.
Statement from the Kanawha County Commission:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Charleston Police Department, @charlestoncity, and the entire public safety community.
— Kanawha County (@kanawhaus) December 1, 2020
The 38-year-old suspect has been identified as Joshua Phillips and was initially arrested for alleged attempted murder, Rutherford said, according to the outlet Metro News.
Those pending charges are expected to be upgraded after Johnson’s death, though nothing has been confirmed as of Thursday.
Phillips is a repeat offender who was released from jail earlier this year on a personal recognizance bond following a weapon-related arrest, according to a criminal complaint, the Houston Chronicle reported.
The suspect was hospitalized with gunshot wounds as well after allegedly hitting Johnson, who then returned fire. He currently remains hospitalized, though his condition is unclear.
Johnson’s mother said during a prayer vigil that she appreciates everyone who has been to the hospital to share a story or hold her daughter’s hand.
“She loved this city, she loved her job, and she tried to protect everybody,” the grieving mother said, breaking into tears. “I love my daughter.”
