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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spokane police officers won’t face charges in 2014 shooting

After an investigation lasting more than 15 months, the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office announced Monday it would not seek charges against two police officers who shot a knife-wielding Aaron D. Johnson in January 2014.

Johnson was initially charged with assault in the altercation that began at Truth Ministries, 1910 E. Sprague Ave., on Jan. 16, 2014. He was carrying a knife and charged at officers after being shot with a Taser, according to court records. Johnson survived his wounds, but his adopted mother, Sharon Johnson, said he’s lost the use of his left arm as a result of the bullet wounds.

“He’s got at least two bullets near his spine that they did not take out,” she said.

The Johnsons said they worried their son would not receive the psychological treatment he needs if he were released back onto the streets. He’s at Eastern State Hospital after being civilly committed last year. His prosecution for second-degree assault has been put on hold, according to court records.

Officers Chris Conrath and Holt Widhalm fired on Johnson in defense of two other officers who were standing near him when he charged with a knife, according to a news release from the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office. Police were called after Truth Ministries staff told Johnson to leave for displaying erratic behavior.

The decision against charging police comes 480 days after the initial confrontation. In April 2014,  the Spokane City Council sent a letter to then-County Prosecutor Steve Tucker criticizing the agency for its lengthy review of officer-involved cases. The Justice Department also criticized the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office for lengthy reviews of deadly force incidents in a report delivered in December. That report found delayed decisions on use-of-force charges “impede(s) efforts to increase police legitimacy and build police-community relationships.”

Sharon Johnson said the family is glad Aaron is in treatment but worried he may be released in the future due to lack of mental health resources for inmates. The family visits him at least once a week, she said.

“At least we know where he is, and he’s being taken care of,” Sharon Johnson said.