Driver Accused of Almost Running Down Deputy Faces Charges
Pit Bull Owner Flees Cops; Sics Pits on CopMemphis, TN - Reco Johnson, 30, is charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, speeding, evading officers, driving on a suspended license and reckless endangerment.
Shelby County Deputies Gary Lambert and John Shields were checking for speeding drivers in a school zone February 22, 2008, when a white Mitsubishi Galant sped through the 15 mph zone going over 30 mph. When Officer Shields stepped out to flag down Reco Johnson, he sped up, almost hitting the deputy.
Both deputies got into their squad car and pursued Johnson's car to his home. Johnson then jumped out of his car and ran into the backyard, with Deputy Lambert chasing him. As the deputy was arresting Johnson:
He told his two pit bulls to attack. Deputy Lambert was bitten in the leg by one of the dogs, which was then shot by Lambert. The second pit bull was taken into custody by animal control officers.
Johnson's two year-old daughter was in the car and was not strapped into a car seat. At the time of his arrest, Johnson was a fugitive for violating his probation on drug charges in 2007.
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