Larry Don Johnson

NEVADA APPEAL

May 24, 1995

Officer, Suspect Killed in shootout

A Sparks’ policeman was gunned down by a recent parolee who was free on bail following another arrest less than two weeks ago, officials said on Tuesday.

Officer Larry Johnson, 44, an 11-year veteran of the department, was struck in the chest and leg during the shootout in a residential neighborhood Monday night. He died at Washoe Medical Center a short time latter.

The suspect, who was shot to death at the scene by other officers, was identified as Donald Larry Cameron, who was released from prison April 12.

He posted bail May 10 following as arrest for forgery and possession of stolen property.

Police Chief John Dotson said officers responded to a robbery report at a supermarket followed by a second call about an armed holdup at a bar and restaurant a block away.

Dotson said an officer pursued the suspected robber into a residential neighborhood and turned his spotlight on the suspect, who then shot at the police vehicle, shattering the driver’s side window.

That officer, who was uninjured, returned gunfire as the man fled into a yard surrounded by shrubbery when a resident emerged from a home next door, distracting some of the officers.

That was when Johnson spotted Cameron and ordered him to put down his weapon. Instead the man opened fire, hitting Johnson before he was gunned down by police.

Cameron 46, of Reno, was arrested May 10 for forgery and possession of stolen property and was allowed to post $7,500 bail. His booking sheet noted 88 scars, including several bullet wounds.

He was convicted of conspiracy to distribute amphetamines here in 1975 and was imprisoned again in 1982 and 1991.

His 18-year sentence in 1991 for an armed robbery with a knife at a Reno car wash was reduced to 10 years in 1993. He was paroled last month.

Plaque Location & Image

South Wall Column 14 Row C     View The Plaque