Charleston police officer Cassie Johnson, who was shot in the face Tuesday after responding to a parking complaint on the city’s north side, is expected to pass away from injuries sustained.
According to the Charleston Police Department, Johnson, 28, underwent three hours of surgery Wednesday morning at the Charleston Area Medical Center. Officials said in a Wednesday evening press conference that she was taken off life support and not expected to survive, but that she will be an organ donor.
Shooting suspect Joshua Phillips, 38, of Charleston was identified by police Wednesday and no charges have been filed yet, the Associated Press reported. However, in a press conference officials said evidence will be handed over to the Kanawha County Prosecutor’s Office to determine charges.
Phillips was reportedly free on bond after a January 2020 arrest on weapons charges. He was wounded during the shooting and is also hospitalized.
Johnson joined the Charleston police force in January 2019. The shooting sparked the attention of Gov. Jim Justice, who spoke out during his Wednesday morning coronavirus briefing.
“Just think — these are the people we call when we have an issue, a problem, worry or concern… Shot in the face,” Justice said.
The City of Charleston planned a candlelight vigil for Johnson at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Laidley Field.