Suspected gunman in Valero shooting in custody

Johnson surrenders after warrant issued by MPD

ralphhardin@gmail.com A West Memphis man suspected in the Aug. 29 shooting at a Valero gas station in Marion is in custody.

According to Marion Detective Paul Turney, Jamie Johnson, 39, who was wanted in connection with the shooting of Johnny Miller, 46, of Marion, while filling his gas tank at the Valero convenience store at the corner of Highway 77 and Midel Marconi Drive, turned himself in about three weeks after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

“We were contacted Monday morning by Crittenden County Dispatch saying the suspect was at the Sheriff’s Department wanting to turn himself in,” said Turney. “Officer Daniel Johnson took the warrant to the Detention Center and Johnson was advised of his charges, court date, time and served with a copy of the warrant.”

Just after 10 a.m. on Aug.

29, police were called to the scene after a report of shots fired at the gas station. Turney described the scene.

“Upon arrival, I observed a black male subject that was laying on the pavement by the gas pumps,” Turney said. “I could tell that the subject had been shot, as he was bleeding from his right leg. I asked the subject his name and he stated he was Johnny Miller. Wildlife Officer Cheers was also on the scene and took down Mr. Miller’s information. Officer Jarrett Webber also arrived on the scene.”

Webber and Turney began administering aid to Miller while emergency medical staff were called to the scene.

“Miller was awake and talking and advised that he had been shot in his leg,” Webber said. “Turney and I began applying medical aid by cutting his pants away to locate the gunshot wound. A gunshot wound was observed on Miller’s upper right leg just above the right knee.”

Crittenden EMS made the scene and took over the first aid treatment, leaving the detectives to work the scene. Miller was transported to Memphis for continued treatment.

At the scene, Miller identified the shooter as Johnson. A warrant was issued late last month for his arrest.

“The warrant was signed by Judge Thorne,” said Turney. “The suspect was then remanded to the custody of the jailer for processing.

Johnson remains in the Crittenden County Jail on a $250,000 bond, charged with First Degree Battery and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. As for a motive in the shooting, Det. Turney says that investigation is ongoing, and while they have some information, he said, “We’re still looking into it.”