HAYNEVILLE, Ala. – An Alabama sheriff was murdered, and the 18-year-old suspect wanted in connection with the shooting death was taken into custody shortly after midnight Sunday following a nearly four-hour manhunt, according to reports.
William Chase Johnson, who authorities said earlier had driven off in the sheriff’s vehicle after the 8:15 p.m. homicide — with the vehicle found a short time later — returned to the crime scene with a firearm in his hand and surrendered, AL.com reported.
Fatally shot Saturday evening was Lowndes County Sheriff John Williams Sr., known as “Big John,” a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who had been sheriff in the community near Montgomery, the state capital, for nearly a decade.
Suspect has been captured, he walked up to the scene with the firearm in his hand pic.twitter.com/Dpt0AYuMB3
— Kirsten Fiscus (@KDFiscus) November 24, 2019
Williams had responded to a call from a convenience store in Hayneville, about 24 miles southwest of Montgomery, when he was fatally shot “over something silly,” Alabama Trooper Sgt. Steve Jarrett told AL.com. Further details of the incident were not immediately available.
Authorities quickly posted an online alert about Johnson, with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency describing the suspect as “a serious risk to the public.”
After Johnson reportedly drove off in the sheriff’s vehicle, it was later spotted abandoned and was recovered, AL.com reported.
A heavy law enforcement presence was seen at the convenience store following the shooting, according to WSFA-TV of Montgomery.
Jarrett did not immediately share information on where Johnson fled or how he was able to return to the crime scene.
“All that’s going to be investigated,” the sergeant told WSFA.
Johnson is from Montgomery and the son of a law enforcement officer, reported AL.com. He was arrested in August on a charge of being in possession of brass knuckles and being a minor in possession of alcohol, but those charges were later dismissed, according to court records.
Share this post. Investigators are looking for William Chase Johnson in connection with the shooting death of Lowndes County Sheriff "Big John" Williams. More info here: https://t.co/kQctjqvSXK pic.twitter.com/Xe3m9PJKfM
— MontgomeryAdvertiser (@MGMAdvertiser) November 24, 2019
Williams was first elected sheriff in 2010 and has held the job ever since, the Advertiser reported. His death was quickly recognized as a severe blow to the community he served.
“He was a wonderful man,” Jarrett told AL.com. “Everybody in law enforcement knew him. If you ever met him, you’d never forget him. He worked 24/7 and was an outstanding sheriff.”
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey posted a Twitter message in reaction to the sheriff’s death.
“I’m saddened to hear about Sheriff Big John Williams, who was tragically killed this evening in the line of duty,” Ivey wrote. “Through his service to our country in the @USMC and his many years working in law enforcement, he dedicated his life to keeping other people safe.
I’m saddened to hear about Sheriff Big John Williams, who was tragically killed this evening in the line of duty. Through his service to our country in the @USMC and his many years working in law enforcement, he dedicated his life to keeping other people safe. (1/2) #alpolitics
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) November 24, 2019
“He will be remembered as a consummate professional and pillar of his community,” Ivey continued. “I offer my prayers and deepest sympathies to his family and to the men and women of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department.
He will be remembered as a consummate professional and pillar of his community. I offer my prayers and deepest sympathies to his family and to the men and women of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department. (2/2) #alpolitics
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) November 24, 2019
Calhoun County Sheriff Matt Wad was among those who responded to the call for help. “He was as fine a man you’ll ever find. He always had a kind word for everyone,” Wade said. “It’s just heartbreaking.”
“He was a great friend,” said Michael Jackson, the district attorney for Alabama’s Fourth Judicial Circuit, recalling a time when Williams drove to Birmingham to pick up Jackson when he was stranded at the airport. “Man, this hurts.”
“He was a great sheriff but an even better person,” Jackson said. “He really cared about the Black Belt. He came over to Selma many times to help fight the gang problem.”
