Evansville man arrested after police officer-involved shooting

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – An Evansville man was arrested for his involvement in a shooting that occurred during a traffic stop Tuesday evening.

According to an affidavit, Evansville police initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Harlan Avenue and Olive Street because a vehicle had disregarded a traffic light. During the stop, the officer ordered the people in the vehicle to exit.

According to police, a physical altercation occurred between the vehicle’s passenger, Michael Johnson, and an EPD officer as he exited the vehicle. During the altercation, a shot went off from a firearm Johnson was carrying. Officers located and removed Johnson’s weapon, discovered a gunshot wound to Johnson’s arm, and began to provide him with medical attention after taking him into custody. Officers then requested emergency personnel to the scene to care for Johnson, who was eventually transported to a local hospital.

During the investigation, it was determined that the firearm used in the incident was stolen. Johnson was subsequently transported to the Vanderburgh County Jail after being processed and released. He is charged with theft, resisting police with a deadly weapon, and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon.