Reserve CPL. Joseph Johnson
Officer: Nyssa Police Department, Reserve Corporal Joseph Johnson
Date: 4/15/2023 Location: Nyssa, OR FACTORS (1,2,4,7,8,15,19,21)
Perpetrator(s) Involved: Rene Castro
Criminal Activity History/Involved: Yes, Castro had “previous run-ins with the Nyssa Police Department” and he “pleaded guilty in August 2022 to charges stemming from a physical fight with his girlfriend and was sentenced to 12 days in jail and 18 months of probation.” / Yes, Castro was “damaging cars with a hammer,” threatening people, and illegally possessed a gun.
Mental Illness: Castro’s destructive behavior is not normal, and as part of his 2022 plea deal he was “ordered to undergo counseling.”
Substance Abuse History/Involved: Unknown. / None stated.
Race/Sex/Age: Latino/Male/36
What prompted the initial contact with the killer? At around 8:30 p.m. on April 15, 2023, Nyssa Police Reserve Corporal Joseph Johnson responded to multiple 911 calls of a “man damaging property and making threats” to other people in a house. Upon arriving at the house Corporal Johnson was told that the perpetrator, Rene Castro had just drove away, so Corporal Johnson took off after him.
Actions taken by subject toward police: Castro fled the scene in his car initially refused to pull over when Corporal Johnson tried to pull him over. After a short chase, Castro “eventually pulled over and began shooting” at Corporal Johnson, fatally striking him before he could even exit his patrol vehicle. As the Corporal succumbed to his injuries in his vehicle, Castro fled the scene before responding officers arrived.
Reactions by the police: A manhunt ensued for Castro and two days later at around 7:30 a.m. on April 17th Oregon State police SWAT officers, the FBI and several other law enforcement agencies surrounded the house he was in. Castro surrendered and was taken into custody without further bloodshed.
How murdered? Corporal Johnson was ambushed after chasing a suspect that had been damaging property and threatening people.
What could have been done differently for the officer to still be alive? Officers should keep their eyes on the suspects at all times and if a violent, uncooperative suspect makes a furtive movement with their hands they should be prepared to use deadly force.
Would the officer have been justified in using deadly force before being murdered? Corporal Johnson was ambushed and never had a chance to defend himself.
Outcome for the cop-killer: Castro was arrested and faces charges of “first-degree murder, aggravated murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm and attempting to elude police.”
