Assist The Officer
This is something I rarely if ever do. A longtime friend introduced me
to this situation and I have become somewhat attached to the case not
only because of the facts of the case but because of the downright
injustice this honorable and innocent family has had to endure.
As I understand the family dynamic, Courtney Johnson became a Ft. Worth
police officer after honorably serving his country in armed forces. His
wife, Kelly Johnson, proudly serves as a school teacher. Two of the most
honorable people serving in two of the most honorable
professions...working in the service of others.
While I don't
know Officer Courtney Johnson or his beautiful wife and children, never
spoken to them on the phone and have never met them in person, I do know
this. We are family.
Officer Courtney Johnson is my brother in blue.
In a very unfortunate incident, Officer Johnson was called to the scene
of a mentally disturbed man who was wielding a large bbq fork. Without
retrying the case, suffice it to say there were extremely tense moments
as Officer Johnson ordered the man to drop the weapon. In the end,
Officer Johnson discharged his shotgun, striking the suspect in the arm.
From that point, Officer Johnson gained control over the suspect and
the incident was over. The suspect was to recover from his gunshot
wound.
As with most police shootings, there are complexities that
can be blown completely out of proportion when politics become
involved. That is what happened here.
Officer Johnson is white.
The suspect is black. And though the shooting had zero racial overtones,
the District Attorney's office allowed themselves to be swayed by
public perceptions instead of relying on the truth and facts of the
case.
They allowed society's current prevalence for hatred of the
police to take over. And as we have seen time and time again in these
situations, in order to placate the anti-police hate mongers, the
District Attorney's completely over-reached and charged this innocent
officer with Criminal Assault By a Public Servant. A charge that had he
been found guilty, he could have received up to 99 years in prison.
To make a long story short, the case recently went to trial and ended
in a mistrial. Though the majority of the jury voted for completely
exonerating the officer, a few extreme holdouts refused to open their
eyes, minds, and hearts. The trial ended in a mistrial as the jury, who
was largely in favor of Officer Johnson, could not reach a unanimous
verdict.
After the trial ended, the District Attorney's Office
and City Officials received a tremendous outpouring of support for
Officer Johnson, who by all accounts is a decent Christian man and an
outstanding police officer,.
Though the District Attorney and
Assistant District Attorney were adamant that they would retry this
"white officer who shot a black man" the sheer magnitude of support for
Officer Johnson finally made them concede.
After indicating they
would re-try Officer Johnson initially, they ultimately announced that
all charges against Officer Johnson would be dismissed and his record
expunged. There would not be another trial.
The Ft. Worth Police
Department, who initially indicated Officer Johnson's job would be
waiting for him, suddenly changed course and the Chief of Police in a
surprise announcement...FIRED Officer Johnson.
Like most police
officers, Officer Johnson is a fighter. And as I understand it, he has
chosen to FIGHT to get his job back. As the trial became very expensive
and now with virtually zero income Officer Johnson and his family need
your help.
A financial account has been established in Officer
Courtney Johnson's name at the Fort Worth City Credit Union. You can
make a donation at the credit union located at 2309 Montgomery St in
Fort Worth in person or call them and let the teller know you would like
to donate to Officer Courtney Johnson.
PLEASE consider donating
to this beautiful family in their time of need. Officer Johnson was
simply doing his job and trying to protect the citizens of his
community. All of us who have ever pinned a badge on willingly faced
that kind of danger could easily be in his position.
DONATE TO:
Fort Worth City Credit Union
In care of OFFICER COURTNEY JOHNSON
2309 Montgomery Street
Forth Worth, Texas 76107
817-732-2803
OR
Fort Worth City Credit Union
In care of OFFICER COURTNEY JOHNSON
P.O. Box 100099
Ft. Worth, Texas 76185-9988
PLEASE donate to this family, And then pass this message along until it goes viral.
Let the world see that while many may stand against our police officers, MANY MORE WILL STAND WITH THEM.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
I don't know him, but he's my brother.
-Mark W. Stephens
Mark W. Stephens & Associates, LLC
