KHQ Right Now - News and Weather for Spokane and North Idaho | Tips pour in about injured WSP Trooper

Tips pour in about injured WSP Trooper

LONG BEACH, Wash. - Investigators from the Washington State Patrol and several other law enforcement agencies worked through the night following up leads regarding Saturday's shooting of Trooper Scott Johnson.

Many of the leads were developed based on tips from the public. While none has led detectives to the shooter, WSP Captain Steve Sutton is confident the right information will eventually be forthcoming.

"Some of the leads we're following are based on a combination of two tips received in different calls," Sutton said. "People should not hesitate to call with information, even if they think it's minor or irrelevant. Paired with information from other calls, that minor tidbit could be the case-breaker."

Johnson was shot shortly before 1:00 a.m. Saturday in the town of Long Beach, while inventorying the contents of a car that was about to be towed. A man walked up and a short conversation ensued. As Johnson returned his attention to the car, the man fired two shots at the back of Johnson's head.

Johnson is currently is good condition at Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland.

WSP has been surprised at the number of tips coming in from Oregon, and learned overnight that the 800-number previously publicized does not connect outside the state of Washington. WSP has established a regular ten-digit number for calls from out-of-state. The number is 1-360-405-6650. WSP is also working to expand the coverage area of the existing 800-line.

"If you live in Oregon and tried to call in a tip, please try again at our new number. We very much want to hear from you," Sutton said.

Washington State Patrol