Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Arrested for Road Rage Shooting
Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper Timothy Johnson fired his weapon and attempted to ram another vehicle during an off-duty road rage pursuit near Tracy City.
GRUNDY COUNTY, TENNESSEE — A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper has been arrested and charged with three counts of aggravated assault following an off-duty road rage incident that included vehicle ramming attempts and gunfire, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Timothy Johnson, 57, was taken into custody Tuesday after TBI special agents completed an investigation that began June 2nd at the request of 12th Judicial District Attorney General Courtney Lynch. Johnson has been booked into Grundy County Jail on a $30,000 bond.
Details of the Incident
The investigation revealed that Johnson was involved in a traffic crash near Tracy City while driving his personally owned vehicle. After the driver of the other vehicle fled the scene, Johnson pursued the individual in what authorities described as an escalating confrontation.
During the pursuit, Johnson made multiple attempts to ram the fleeing vehicle with his car and discharged his duty firearm, striking the other vehicle. The chase concluded when the victim lost control of his vehicle and crashed in the 1400 block of US-41.
No injuries from gunfire were reported in the incident, according to TBI officials.
Investigation and Charges
TBI agents secured warrants Tuesday charging Johnson with three separate counts of aggravated assault stemming from his actions during the June 2nd incident. The charges relate to his attempts to ram the other vehicle and his use of a firearm during the pursuit.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation emphasized in their announcement that Johnson was off-duty and operating his personal vehicle at the time of the alleged crimes, not his official patrol vehicle.
Legal Process Ahead
Johnson, whose date of birth is listed as September 20, 1968, now faces the legal process as the case moves forward through Grundy County’s court system under the jurisdiction of the 12th Judicial District.
The TBI noted in their release that the charges represent accusations of criminal conduct and are not evidence of guilt. Johnson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt through due process of law.
The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of law enforcement conduct both on and off duty, particularly involving the use of firearms and pursuit tactics outside of official police operations.
