Winter Haven Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Saturday, March 8, 1997
Add to My HeroesJohnnie Norris Patterson, Jr.
Patrol Officer Johnnie Patterson was shot and killed at approximately 4:30 am after making a traffic stop at the intersection of 21st Street SW and Avenue D.
The driver he stopped fled on foot, with Officer Patterson in pursuit. Officer Patterson called for backup but was not heard from again. Approximately one hour later, his body was found by a Polk County canine officer in a wooded area with a fatal gunshot wound.
He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The suspect was arrested several days later, found guilty of murder, and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Officer Patterson's father was with him on a ride-along at the time of the incident.
Officer Patterson had served with the Winter Haven Police Department for seven months. He is survived by his mother, father, brother, and sister.
Bio
- Age 25
- Tour 7 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 49 Reflections28 years ago, today the world lost a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, a police officer, and a great man. It seems like a lifetime ago, and yet in someways it seems like yesterday. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and the great times we had patrolling the city together. In your time in law enforcement, you touched the lives of many people, not only the city and the citizens you protected and laid your life down for, but your brother officers who are better off having known you and working beside you. I know I am much better off having known you and your family and having the honor and privilege of calling you a friend. I just want to say thank you.
Johnnie, you may be gone from this world, but you will always be remembered and honored by many.
Tim
Former officer
March 8, 2025
