Suspect In Kimberly Police Officer Death Indicted On Gun Charges

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A man accused of shooting and killing a Kimberly police officer a month ago was indicted Monday on federal firearms charges. Preston Johnson, 37, of Addison, was indicted by a federal grand jury for being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town.

According to the indictment, Johnson, who is prohibited from having a firearm because of prior felony convictions, is accused of unlawfully possessing an Anderson AM-15 5.56mm rifle on October 31, 2019, a Norcino Mak90 7.62mm rifle on February 4, 2020, and a Glock Model 19 9mm pistol on February 5, 2020.

Johnson has also been charged with capital murder in the shooting death of Kimberly police officer Nick O'Rear.

“Violent convicted felons with firearms will answer to federal charges in the Northern District of Alabama,” Town said. “We are indebted to the brave law enforcement officers who put themselves in harm’s way to ensure that this violent criminal was brought to justice.”

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.

The maximum penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.