Man Who Shot Loudoun Co. Deputies Convicted Of Attempted Murder

LEESBURG, VA — A 41-year-old Sterling man accused of shooting two Loudoun County deputies on Christmas Eve was convicted yesterday of two counts of attempted capital murder. Douglas Johnson Jr., 41, was also convicted of nine other felony offenses related to the shooting that happened nearly two years ago.

According to the Loudoun County Attorney’s Office, Johnson also was convicted of malicious wounding of the officers and multiple firearms charges. The jury fixed Johnson’s sentence at 74 years in the Virginia Department of Corrections.

“It is reprehensible that anyone would attempt to murder the very people that protect our community every day,” Chief Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Nicole Wittmann said in a news release. “I applaud the bravery of our deputies and am pleased that the jury has held Johnson accountable for his actions.”

The charges stem from a 2017 incident where the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office responded to a report that a man was fighting with a family member in the 46000 block of Hollow Mountain Place. Deputies responded at about 4 p.m.

After speaking with Johnson, his daughter and his ex-wife, who also lived at the home, deputies attempted to arrest Johnson but Johnson became angry at his family. Deputies talked with him in an effort to de-escalate and resolve the situation, police said.

A few minutes after 5 p.m., Johnson walked upstairs to the doorway of a bedroom closet. As Loudoun County Sheriff’s Deputy Timothy Iversen and Loudoun County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Grimley attempted to arrest the suspect, police say he made a sudden move into the closet. One deputy used his Taser as the second deputy tried to restrain Johnson, who was able to grab a .45 caliber handgun hidden under clothing on a closet shelf and fired at the deputies, striking both officers. With help from a third deputy, Justin Nyce, who was also in the house, the three deputies were able to handcuff and secure Johnson.

The two injured deputies were taken to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

During the course of Johnson’s trial, evidence was presented including the testimony of the wounded officers and the third deputy present during the shooting. The county attorney also presented body-worn camera video and audio of the incident. Johnson testified on his own behalf, claiming he was trying to commit suicide. He also said he was not conscious of firing the gun due to the effects of being stunned by a Taser and the physical attempts to restrain him.

Johnson’s next court appearance in Loudoun County Circuit Court is Dec. 13. On that date, a final sentencing hearing will be held before the Hon. James P. Fisher, who presided over the trial. Johnson continues to be held in custody without bond.