MOUNT VERNON — A man was arrested Friday afternoon who was sought in connection with an April 25 shooting in Licking County, according to a press release from Mount Vernon Police Chief Robert Morgan.
James Walter Johnson, 36, was arrested in Mount Vernon at approximately 2 p.m. with officers and detectives from the Mount Vernon Police Department, Licking County Sheriff’s Office and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office involved in the apprehension.
Johnson was wanted on an outstanding warrant for attempted murder arising from the incident.
Detectives developed information that led them to a residence in the 300 block of West Pleasant Street in Mount Vernon.
Morgan stated that upon the officers’ arrival, containment around the residence was established and contact was made with a resident of the home. This individual advised Johnson was in the residence.
Johnson surrendered himself to the officers a short time later without incident, Morgan stated.
“James Walter Johnson was taken into custody and will be transported to the Licking County Jail where he will be held on a charge of attempted murder,” Morgan said. “Further charges for Johnson may be forthcoming as Licking County’s investigation continues.
“Inquiries and updates about this investigation can be directed to the Licking County Sheriff’s Office.”
According to an April 25 Facebook post from Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp, deputies identified Johnson as the suspect following a domestic violence incident. The posting stated that detectives confirmed Johnson fled the scene after the shooting in a white 2012 GMC Terrain.
Knox County law enforcement located the vehicle in the parking lot of Walmart on Coshocton Road in Mount Vernon and initiated a search for Johnson in the woods behind the store.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol aviation unit and patrol officers assisted the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and Mount Vernon Police Department in the search effort.
