Zachari Johnson

How they died

Deadly force

Two Sarpy County sheriff's cruisers chased Zachari Johnson for allegedly stealing the Honda he was driving as well as a credit card. The pursuit started on NE-75, turned onto Capehart Road and continued through the main gate at Offutt Air Force Base. For the next five minutes, sheriff's deputies, Bellevue police officers and Offutt security tried to stop Johnson, who drove toward the Bellevue Gate, which was closed. Johnson made a U-turn and headed toward the Kenney Gate. Police were still in pursuit and other security personnel were rushing out to help. At about 3:30 p.m., Johnson reportedly began ramming the Honda into a barricade at the gate. Offutt security guard Douglas Bickal--a federal civilian employee--yelled at Johnson to surrender before firing three shots. Johnson died at a hospital. A federal grand jury found that Bickal did nothing wrong. The grand jury was convened in the case since Johnson's death was considered an in-custody death per state law.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Zachari Johnson, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources