Suspect in sheriff’s death is son of Montgomery County deputy

Suspect in sheriff’s death is son of Montgomery County deputy

2019-11-25 06:31:35

The suspect in the shooting death of Lowndes County Sheriff John “Big John” Williams has been booked in Elmore County Jail.

Lowndes County coroner is acting sheriff

Suspect in sheriff’s death is son of Montgomery County deputy

William Chase Johnson was taken into custody and booked in the Elmore County Jail. (Source: Elmore County Jail)

18-year-old William Chase Johnson surrendered to law enforcement after a four-hour manhunt Saturday night. He was taken into custody at the same QV gas station where Williams was shot. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Johnson is the son of one of its deputies.

Sgt. Steve Jarrett with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said Johnson fled from the gas station after the shooting around 8 p.m. and then reappeared at the gas station around midnight. Law enforcement took a handgun from Johnson when he was taken into custody, Jarrett confirmed.

Lowndes County Commission Chairman Carnell McApline said the law dictates the Lowndes County coroner, Terrell Means, is now the acting sheriff. McAlpine said Gov. Kay Ivey will appoint a new sheriff.

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