Texas police officer arrested on suspicion of murder in off-duty shooting

An off-duty suburban Dallas police officer who fatally shot a 16-year-old and wounded another juvenile was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of murder and aggravated assault, authorities said.

Farmers Branch Officer Ken Johnson was taken into custody Wednesday night by Addison police officers and was being booked into Dallas County Jail.

The shooting happened Sunday evening at a gas station in Addison. Officials have said that Johnson saw a vehicle being burglarized in his apartment complex parking lot and that he gave chase when the suspects fled. After the suspects’ vehicle spun out about a half-mile away, an altercation led to the shooting.

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Jose Raul Cruz was killed and the other juvenile, who also was shot, was hospitalized.

Johnson’s attorney has said he feared for his life. Johnson was not injured.

Authorities have not said whether the juveniles were armed.

Addison Police Chief Paul Spencer said in a statement Wednesday that there was “probable cause” to arrest Johnson but that the investigation will likely take several more weeks.

Farmers Branch Police spokesman David Laisure declined to comment Wednesday, deferring to Addison police. Addison Police Chief Paul Spencer previously has said that Johnson had no disciplinary record. He also noted that department policies do not allow off-duty officers to chase suspects in their own vehicles.

According to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, Johnson has worked for Farmers Branch police for a year. He worked as a peace officer for Dallas Area Rapid Transit for almost eight years before that.

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