Trooper on hand to honor his heroes

The Long Beach police and civilians who helped save Washington State Patrol trooper Scott Johnson after he was shot in the line of duty were honored at a ceremony last Wednesday.

In February, Trooper Johnson, a Naselle resident, was on duty at the scene of a suspected DUI call in Long Beach when a man walked up and shot him in the back of the head, police said.

Johnson survived and attended the event honoring those who helped save his life and apprehended the suspected shooter. Led by State Police Chief John Batiste, six Longview Police officers, members of Pacific County’s Emergency management division and the Pacific County Sheriff's Office were given awards by the State Police.

Johnson was especially thankful to Long Beach Officer Casey Meling, who helped Johnson from the scene and put him in his patrol car and drove him to safety to the hospital in Ilwaco.

"I feel so insignificant and such a small part of what happened. There is no doubt in my mind that he would’ve done the exact same for me or any of my co-workers," Meling said.

After the ceremony, Johnson's mother told the media the support for her son has been overwhelming.

“I cannot believe the love the community had for him, the whole county. I mean, even now I can’t believe the love and support people still have for us," Linda Johnson said.

The man suspected of shooting Johnson, Martin Jones, was arrested in connection with the shooting. He's being held in Pacific County Jail on charges of assault and attempted murder. His bail is set at $5 million.

State police said 45-year-old Jones committed the shooting after his wife was arrested on a drunk driving charge. Trooper Johnson was waiting for Jones' wife's car to be towed when the suspect walked up behind him and fired two rounds into the back of Jones’ head with a small-caliber handgun, authorities said.

Johnson's attorney has filed suit against Jones for $3 million, saying the suspect must be held "criminally and financially responsible" for the shooting.

Scott Johnson is also this year’s Bald Eagle Days Master of Ceremonies in Cathlamet.