Reward hits $20,000 in drive-by shooting death of Newark police officer

As the violence against police continues, the New Jersey Cop Shot program run by the New Jersey State PBA has posted a $10,000 reward, boosted by $10,000 more from the Crimestopper program, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for killing an off-duty Newark officer Thursday night.

Jerry DeMarco

05/27/2011 6:57 p.m.

Newark P.O. William Johnson

Authorities ask that anyone with information about this or any other crimes call the city’s 24-hour “Crime Stoppers” anonymous tip line at 877 NWK-TIPS (877 695-8477) or NWK-GUNS (877 695-4867).

William Johnson, 45, a 16-year veteran and father of four was at the counter of a city fried chicken and pizza restaurant when someone fired several shots from a moving car, killing him and wounded two others, police said.

It’s small consolation that this was the first shooting death of a Newark officer in the crime-plagued city in six years.

John received several commendations in his care, said Derrick Hatcher, president of the Newark Fraternal Order of Police.

“[He] would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it,” Hatcher said. “This is a true tragedy for the community at large and the officers he leaves behind.

“We hope the suspects involved turn themselves in because they will have no place to hide and they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

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