Pawnee County Undersheriff Killed In Car Crash

The Pawnee County Sheriff has confirmed Pawnee County Undersheriff Monty Johnson was killed in a crash early Thursday morning.

Sheriff Mike Waters says Johnson was on duty and headed to pick up a co-worker for a training class when his patrol car was hit by another car on Highway 18 south of Pawnee at about 7 a.m.

Johnson died at the scene. Waters says the other driver was taken to a hospital.

Image of the other vehicle involved in the wreck that killed Pawnee County Undersheriff Monty Johnson. Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

OHP Troopers are investigating the crash.

“It’s tough to deal with when it’s a member of law enforcement,” said Lt. James Loftis with OHP.

Loftis said the driver of the truck that hit Johnson broke his leg and is cooperating with investigators. He consented to have his blood tested.

“We do a thorough background investigation on both parties,” said Loftis. “We can get a full scope of what went on."

Loftis said preliminary details show the driver of the truck went right and overcorrected hitting Johnson head on.

Johnson had been with the Pawnee County Sheriff's Office since 2004. A prayer vigil is scheduled for Thursday night at 6:30.