San Jose police said Thursday that the gunman who killed veteran officer Michael Johnson died from a shot fired by one of their officers, not from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to San Jose police, the actions of Johnson's partner, identified by police as Officer Doug Potwora, may have been key to keeping others from being killed. Potwora is a 16-year veteran of the department.
The 38-year-old Johnson was killed on Tuesday when he arrived at an apartment building after a 911 caller told police that Scott Dunham was drunk and despondant and was threatening to harm his wife. When Johnson arrived, Dunham killed him from his balcony with a high-powered rifle.
Dunham's body was found Wednesday morning on the balcony. He had died of a gunshot wound, police said. But it was unclear whether the bullet was self-inflicted or whether he died during the police shootout. On Thursday, San Jose police released critical information about the moments just after Johnson lost his life.
On Thursday afternoon, the coroner said it was Johnson's partner who killed the gunman. Garcia said the officer's actions saved other lives. "He absolutely saved more lives that day," Garcia said.
Assistant Chief Eddie Garcia said Potwora "went shot for shot" with the gunman who had just killed his partner.
"They were being fired upon from an elevated position," Garcia said. "The suspect got a jump on them. And he had to react. And reacting in that fashion after his partner was mortally wounded — Bravery. I wish there was a stronger word.”
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A prayer vigil is scheduled for Friday in memory of Johnson.
The event is set for 8 p.m. in the courtyard at San Jose City Hall. Star of David Ministries and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association are hosting the memorial.
NBC BAY Area staff contributed to this report.
