Ex-Houston officer indicted on evidence tampering, assault charges posts bond

HOUSTON – A retired Houston police officer was indicted Thursday on two charges related to an officer-involved shooting that happened in February.

A grand jury handed up an indictment charging former Officer Bruce Johnson with assault and tampering with evidence in the case.

Johnson turned himself in and posted bond on Friday.

On Feb. 16, Johnson responded to a northwest Houston neighborhood after someone reported a burglary at his home, investigators said. They said Johnson spotted a man, identified as Dered Carr, on an adjacent street, carrying items that belonged to him.

Investigators said Johnson confronted Carr and a struggle ensued, and Johnson shot Carr twice.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said Johnson originally told investigators that Carr tried to use a burglary tool to attack him. She said pictures of the scene showed that key piece of evidence had been moved closer to Carr.

Ogg also said cellphone video from a witness showed Johnson kicking Carr after he had fallen to the ground.

Johnson confessed to tampering with evidence, Ogg said.

After the shooting, Johnson retired from the force.

Johnson faces up to 11 years in prison if convicted.

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