On the night of August 13, 1981, Holliston, Massachusetts lost a veteran police officer. John E. Johnson, 31, a six-year member of the Holliston Police Department and a U.S. Air Force veteran, spotted a stolen car and initiated a felony traffic stop while waiting for backup. The vehicle pulled into a Route 16 business parking lot. When two occupants were ordered out, one, Jose Solivan, fled on foot. Johnson remained with the other, 22-year-old Rolando Jimenez, who also ran; a struggle ensued and Jimenez obtained Johnson’s service weapon and shot him. Johnson was taken to Framingham Union Hospital but died during surgery. The service weapon was never recovered.

A massive manhunt involving more than 100 officers led to Jimenez’s capture within three hours; Solivan was arrested in Worcester on September 9, 1981. Jimenez was already wanted on outstanding warrants for assault and battery and armed robbery. Johnson was survived by his wife and two young children. Does anyone have memories of Officer Johnson or information about the incident that could add to the record?