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Michael J. Johnson

Age : 27

Gender : Male

Race : Black

Date : 02/03/2026

Location : Wells Avenue Bridge near Kuenzli Street and Sixth Street

City : Reno

County : Washoe

State : Nevada

Agency : Reno Police Department

Officer(s) :Unknown

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Killed by police during welfare check

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 02/03/2026, Reno Police Department officers responded just before 4:00 p.m. to multiple 911 calls about a man standing on the Wells Avenue Bridge who appeared in distress and might harm himself. Officers spoke with 27-year-old Michael J. Johnson for over 15 minutes, urging him to step off the roadway. Police said Johnson kept his hands in his pockets, refused commands, and then lunged toward officers while producing and swinging a large metal tow-style chain. An officer discharged their firearm, striking Johnson multiple times. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene by the Washoe County Coroner’s Office. During the incident, one officer was struck by gunfire but was protected by a ballistic vest and later released from a hospital. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting and body-worn camera footage was released by the department showing the interaction leading up to the fatal shooting.
 

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.officer.com/on-the-street/body-cameras/video/55357421/body-camera-video-man-swinging-tow-chain-lunges-at-reno-nevada-police
https://www.police1.com/officer-shootings/bwc-man-runs-at-nev-officers-swinging-tow-chain-before-fatal-ois