An Arizona trauma surgeon who says he went outside to protect his family after reporting a possible prowler is facing multiple felony charges following a confrontation in which Phoenix police officers shot him.
The case involving Dr. Kris Johnson stems from an incident on June 30, 2022, and has drawn attention because of disputed accounts over what happened after Johnson and his wife called 911. Prosecutors allege Johnson fired toward officers, while Johnson maintains he did not know the people outside were police and denies intentionally firing at them.
The criminal case remains pending, and the allegations have not been resolved in court.
Incident
According to court filings and public reporting, the incident began around 11 p.m. when Johnson and his wife noticed a man outside their rural west Phoenix home.
The couple reviewed footage from their doorbell camera, which they say showed the individual lingering near the front entrance, moving flower pots, and looking through windows. Concerned for the safety of their two young children, Johnson’s wife called 911.
Johnson later went outside carrying a handgun to check the property after the individual was no longer visible.
Police Encounter
Johnson has said he noticed two vehicles with bright lights near the entrance to the neighborhood but did not realize they belonged to law enforcement.
He has acknowledged firing one warning shot into the air, later describing it as a mistake.
According to Phoenix police, Johnson then assumed what officers believed was an aggressive shooting stance and fired in their direction. Johnson disputes that allegation and says he never intentionally fired at police officers.
During the confrontation, an officer shot Johnson in the leg.
Johnson has said he only learned after being taken to the hospital that the people who fired at him were Phoenix police officers responding to the area.
Criminal Charges
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office charged Johnson with five felony counts, including:
- Four counts of aggravated assault.
- One count of unlawful discharge of a firearm.
If convicted, the charges could result in a lengthy prison sentence.
Johnson has admitted that firing the warning shot was a poor decision but denies committing the offenses alleged by prosecutors.
Court Proceedings
The case has remained in the court system for several years.
According to public reporting, Johnson’s indictment was dismissed twice before prosecutors proceeded through a probable cause hearing. His defense has argued that Arizona’s self-defense laws and the circumstances surrounding the reported prowler were not fully presented during earlier grand jury proceedings.
A judge later ruled there was sufficient evidence for the case to move forward to trial.
Court records indicate prosecutors have offered Johnson a plea agreement, while the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has maintained that the disputed facts should ultimately be decided during trial.
Central Dispute
The primary issue in the case is whether Johnson knew the individuals outside were police officers.
Johnson says he believed he was responding to a possible threat near his home after calling 911 and would have acted differently had he known officers were present.
Phoenix police contend Johnson fired toward officers responding to the neighborhood, prompting officers to return fire.
The Phoenix Police Department’s Critical Incident Review Board later concluded that the officers’ actions were consistent with department policy.
The case is expected to focus on witness testimony, dispatch records, physical evidence, and whether Johnson’s actions were legally justified under Arizona law.
FAQs
Who is Dr. Kris Johnson?
An Arizona trauma surgeon charged after a 2022 police shooting.
Why is Johnson facing felony charges?
Prosecutors allege he fired toward responding police officers.
Did Johnson admit firing a gun?
Yes. He admitted firing one warning shot into the air.
What is Johnson’s defense?
He says he did not know the people outside were police.
Has the case been decided?
No. The criminal case remains pending in court.
