Patrolman Kirk Leland Johnson

Patrolman Kirk Leland Johnson | San Diego Police Department, California
San Diego Police Department, California
Patrolman Kirk Leland Johnson

San Diego Police Department, California

End of Watch Sunday, February 20, 1983

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Kirk Leland Johnson

Patrolman Kirk Johnson was shot and killed by a 16-year-old boy who had stolen his father's sheriff's uniform and marked patrol car. When Patrolman Johnson pulled up to next to what he thought was a uniformed deputy in San Clemente Park the suspect opened fire, killing him.

The case remained unsolved for over one month before another youth broke down at the dinner table and told his parents he and another boy were with the suspect when he shot Patrolman Johnson. Neither youth was charged. On April 1, 1987 the suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 17 years to life in prison.

Patrolman Johnson had served with the San Diego Police Department for two years. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour 2 years
  • Badge 1862

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .357 caliber
  • Offender Sentenced to life

impersonator, juvenile offender, stolen vehicle

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Former Partner of Kirk Johnson, John J.B. Bailey here.
After 43 years of my efforts I received the following email From Senator Brian W. Jones.
Good afternoon,
I’m following up on the earlier outreach to our office regarding a Senate resolution in memory of Officer Johnson. We are currently in the process of drafting the resolution language to designate the I-805 and SR-52 interchange as the Officer Kirk Leland Johnson Memorial Interchange. We chose the I-805 and SR-52 interchange so there is increased visibility for the memorial.

I’ve attached a bio that the resolution will be based. This resolution is a good example of what the final language will look like. If there are any edits or anything that should be included in the bio, please let me know so it can be incorporated.

We would like for Officer Johnson’s family and colleagues to be present. Once we have formally introduced the language, we will provide more updates on when the Senate resolution can be presented on the floor of the California Senate Chambers. If you or anyone else who worked with Officer Johnson would like to come up that day to be present, you would be more than welcome to attend. If possible, we would also appreciate being put in touch with his wife so we can keep her informed and extend the invitation as well.

Thank you,

Detective John B Bailey
San Diego PD, Riverside DA's Office, now with 5th Judicial Distri

March 6, 2026

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