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Tulsa community mourns loss of Tulsa police sergeant

Posted at 5:12 AM, Jul 01, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-03 15:52:15-04

TULSA, Okla. — Sergeant Craig Johnson died Tuesday morning after a shooting during a traffic stop left him in critical condition.

Now, Tulsans are wrapping their arms around the department and family as they mourn his loss.

READ MORE: One Tulsa police officer dies, another in the hospital after shooting

The second officer involved in the shooting, Officer Aurash Zarkeshan, is still in the hospital and showing improvements.

There have been several vigils at the Mingo Valley Division of the Tulsa Police Department where both officers worked. Since the incident on June 29, people have placed cards, flowers, and more on a patrol car for the officers. Some have also come to kneel and pray.

People praying over TPD patrol car at Mingo Valley Division

Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin and Mayor G.T. Bynum spoke about Johnson and his family.

Chief Wendell spoke on the importance of police in Tulsa communities, thanking the Johnson family for sharing the Sergeant with the department.

Mayor Bynum said Johnson was a good man who made many lives better, and trained his fellow officers to be better.

I hope that both the Johnson family and the men and women of the Tulsa Police Department will feel our city gathered around them, showing that same love for them that Sergeant Johnson showed for us.
Mayor G.T. Bynum

On July 1, a ceremony was held outside Saint Francis to hoist the organ donor flag. Johnson's organs are being donated to potentially save the lives of 4 other people, one final act of kindness and selflessness from Johnson. On Thursday, Johnson was escorted by several law enforcement to Oklahoma City for organ donation.

READ MORE: Four injured in crash during procession for fallen Tulsa officer

Johnson's patrol car sits as a memorial outside the Tulsa hospital. People are expressing their support by covering the car with signs, flowers and balloons for the Johnson family, Officer Zarkeshan and the Tulsa Police Department.

The late Sgt. Johnson's patrol car sits as a memorial outside Saint Francis Hospital

A vigil organized by the Thin Blue Line Brotherhood Foundation is scheduled for July 1. The vigil will take place in downtown Tulsa at Third and Denver from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

On Friday, July 3, Hispanic American Pastors will host a prayer night for Sgt. Johnson via Facebook.

Officer Zarkeshan is still in the hospital and is responding to medical staff.

We will continue to bring you updates on his condition.

Sergeant Johnson's funeral is July 9 at 1 p.m. at Victory Church in Tulsa. The funeral is open to the public and officials will provide masks.

If you would like to donate to help the family, or if you want more information on the Tulsa Fraternal Order of Policeclick here.

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