BOISE, Idaho — Blaine County Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Fredback determined that the Boise police officers who shot and killed Christian Johnson on Aug. 3, 2023, were justified, according to a news release.
The attorney said that based on the bodycam footage from the officers and a complete investigation conducted by the Ada County Critical Incident Task Force (CITF) led by the Meridian Police Department, the officers were justified under Idaho law.
The news release states around 11 a.m. on Aug. 3, Johnson had called law enforcement three times in the morning asking for help. Cpl. Johnson called the victim back and asked him how he could help. Cpl. Johnson and another officer, Miller, went to Johnson's residence and learned that Johnson was using methamphetamine. Police believe it was likely causing the erratic and paranoid behavior Johnson was experiencing.
The new release stated when officers approached Johnson, they saw he was armed and agitated. Officers had ordered Johnson to drop the weapon 12 times, and Johnson never complied.
Officials state that Johnson then approached the officers with a knife in one hand and a hammer with a metal spike in the other hand. Officers believed he was a threat and used deadly force.
"The loss of Mr. Johnson's life is extremely unfortunate, and we hope others in crisis can get the help and resources they need to stabilize their lives and behaviors prior to getting to the point where a deadly threat is made to others, including police officers. I am grateful no bystanders or officers were physically injured in this encounter, but I recognize not all injuries are physical, and there is always a significant impact on officers and others involved, when deadly force is used, regardless of the circumstances. My thoughts are with everyone impacted by this event, including Mr. Johnson's loved ones, the officers and their families, and anyone else living with the aftermath of such a traumatic incident," said Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar.
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