University Police Chief Who Allegedly Stabbed Stepson Stepping Down In Late July

ROHNERT PARK, CA — Sonoma State University's police Chief Nathan Johnson is resigning at the end of July, university officials said. Johnson, 55, was on paid administrative leave since June 1 following an altercation with his stepson Elijah Latimer in his Hayward home on May 30. The university announced the plans for him to resign in an online post dated April 18.

Johnson allegedly fired his off-duty gun at a wall and stabbed Latimer with a power drill during the altercation in unincorporated Hayward, according to Alameda County sheriff's Sgt. Ray Kelly. Kelly said the incident in the 3300 block of Costa Drive was a family dispute that turned into a confrontation. Johnson suffered injuries to his face and head and Latimer suffered stab wounds, Kelly said. Neither Latimer or Johnson were arrested and neither wanted to file charges against the other, Kelly said.

Read: SSU Police Chief Placed On Administrative Leave

Johnson was named the university's police chief in 1999. He left Sonoma State to serve as the California State University system's chief law enforcement officer between 2010 and 2013 before he returned as police chief at Sonoma State.

"After 36 years of successful public service as a law enforcement officer and administrator, Sonoma State University Chief of Police Nathan Johnson has decided to transition to a new phase of his career and life,"
Sonoma State officials posted online. "The University wished the Chief well and plans to launch a search for his replacement as soon as possible."

David Dougherty has been serving as acting Sonoma State police chief.

Bay City News / Image Via Patch