POLICE Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

BWC Video Shows OK Officers Being Ambushed While Clearing Trailer

"When the mattress was lifted officers saw suspect Johnson hiding in the storage area armed with a pistol. He aimed the pistol at the officers, which resulted in an exchange of gunfire,” says Capt. Valerie Littlejohn.

November 29, 2022
BWC Video Shows OK Officers Being Ambushed While Clearing Trailer

Body-worn cameras captured when a man hiding beneath a mattress ambushed officers searching inside a trailer earlier this month. One officer was wounded by shrapnel.

Credit:

PHOTO: Oklahoma City Police Department

The Oklahoma City Police Department (OK) released body-worn camera (BWC) video of when three officers were ambushed while searching for a fugitive inside a fifth wheel camping trailer earlier this month. One officer was wounded when he was struck by shrapnel.

Officers had been alerted Nov. 15 that a man wanted on an out-of-state felony warrant was at the trailer. They responded and attempted to locate the suspect, Timothy Johnson, after he was reported to have been seen entering the trailer.

Ad Loading...

Capt. Valerie Littlejohn, of the department’s media relations office, says officers were met by a woman who lives in the trailer. Police say she stated there was nobody inside the trailer but did give the officers consent to search.

Three officers searched the living room of the trailer, then two advanced into the bedroom to continue searching.

“While searching the trailer, officers lifted a mattress that covered a storage area. When the mattress was lifted officers saw suspect Johnson hiding in the storage area armed with a pistol. He aimed the pistol at the officers, which resulted in an exchange of gunfire,” says Littlejohn.

The video then captures a rapid exchange of gunfire between Johnson and the officers.

The footage shows two officers rapidly vacating the trailer and then soon rejoining the officer who remained inside. There was then a second exchange of shots.

Ad Loading...

“Come out with your hands up, come out with your hands up,” two officers tell the suspect.

The audio captured by BWC also recorded one officer indicating he had been hit.

“I’m hit, I’m hit, I’m hit,” he shouts.

The officer was struck in the face by shrapnel, according to Littlejohn.

Once all three officers exited the residence, they established a perimeter and the department’s tactical team was activated. Police later found Johnson deceased inside the trailer.

Ad Loading...

The woman who lives in the trailer has been charged with harboring a fugitive.

More Patrol

Thumbnail image for video series POLICE From the Show Floor featuring Polaris Government & Defense.
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 19, 2025

From the Show Floor: Polaris Government & Defense

Learn about Polaris Government & Defense in this video as POLICE visits their show booth to discover their side-by-sides and the advantages they provide for agencies.

Read More →
black background width image of police lights in middle and headline Dashcam Video Officers rescue Man from Burning Car
PatrolNovember 17, 2025

Dashcam Video Shows Officers Rescue Man from Burning Car

Dashcam video released by a New Jersey police department shows two of its officers rescuing an unconscious man from a burning car after a crash.

Read More →
blue background with image of a red dot sight and also second image of the red dot on a handgun lower right
PatrolNovember 17, 2025

Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT Named Red Dot of the Year

The Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT system has been named Red Dot of the Year by Guns & Ammo magazine. The new optic system was introduced in January 2025.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Thumbnail for video series POLICE From the Show Floor, with headline text featuring Axon
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 16, 2025

From the Show Floor: Axon

Join POLICE as we visit with Abi Stock, of Axon, to learn about the company’s latest technology offerings, such as Axon Assistant, Form One, and the DFR integration with Skydio.

Read More →
side view of a ballistic helmet in studio setting, black background, with sparks and smoke
PatrolNovember 16, 2025

Back Face Deformation, Brain Injury and Ballistic Helmets – Why the “Dent Doesn’t Matter” Claim Ignores Science

Alex Poythress, co-founder and CEO of Ballistic Armor Co., explains why ballistic helmet buyers should insist on full test data, including BFD measurements, standoff distance, and padding configuration, rather than rely solely on penetration ratings.

Read More →
Pink Streamlight Wedge XT flashlight.
PatrolNovember 13, 2025

Streamlight Marks 15 Years of Support for Breast Cancer Research Foundation With $20k Donation

In its 15th year of supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Streamlight donated $20,000 to help in the fight against cancer. Donations were generated through the sale of special Wedge XT models and other pink flashlights.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
center circle image of PTSD Help Expanded surrounded by military and first responder images
PatrolNovember 11, 2025

Police-Led Mental Health Charity Expands to Include Veterans

Talk To Me Post Tour (TTMPT), a non-profit organization that has been providing peer-support programs and professional psychological support for first responders, is now expanding services to military veterans.

Read More →
police officer holding a folded flag and headline for Officer Killed
PatrolNovember 10, 2025

WakeMed Campus Police Officer Killed in Hospital Shooting

A WakeMed Campus Police Officer died after being shot in the lobby of the emergency department at a North Carolina hospital over the weekend.

Read More →
Black background with blue graphic outline of state of Florida and headline Video Released: barricaded Suspect Falls Through Ceiling and Into SWAT Custody.
PatrolNovember 10, 2025

Video Shows Barricaded Suspect Fall Through Ceiling and Into SWAT Custody

Deputies in Indian River County, Florida, apprehended a suspect after he fell through the ceiling with SWAT members waiting below. The sheriff’s department released video of the apprehension.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
thumbnail for video series POLICE From the Show Floor featuring T2 Systems.
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 10, 2025

From the Show Floor: T2 Systems

Learn about T2 Systems and its electronic parking enforcement solutions. Retired Chief John Holland outlines the benefits of using such a system to manage parking enforcement.

Read More →