A Braddock man, previously out on bond for attempted homicide charges involving a shootout with police, is now facing fresh accusations after allegedly striking a police officer with his vehicle. Mitchell Johnson, 20, was arrested yesterday after an encounter that began with officers spotting a stolen car in Braddock, WPXI reported.
During the pursuit of the stolen Chevrolet Malibu, Munhall Police Assistant Chief Jamie Caterino, who was assisting in uniform, was struck and injured in the arm. Unmarked during the approach, the driver, identified as Johnson, accelerated, making contact with the officer. The authorities stated that the pursuit continued briefly before Johnson crashed the car into a fence and a couple of garages, as CBS News Pittsburgh disclosed.
After abandoning the damaged vehicle, Johnson fled on foot but was subsequently apprehended at his residence on Packer Street. A juvenile passenger also attempted to escape but was captured and found to be carrying a loaded 9mm magazine. Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin Kraus described the situation, saying, "In this type of situation, a vehicle is just as dangerous and deadly a weapon as a firearm," a sentiment echoed following Johnson's apprehension and apology to the injured Assistant Chief Caterino, as detailed by WPXI.
The new charges against Johnson include aggravated assault and resisting arrest, adding to the gravity of his prior attempted homicide charges from a January incident where he allegedly exchanged gunfire with police officers.
