Person of interest sought in Dec. 10 fatal shooting
Police are seeking a person of interest in a Dec. 10 shooting that left a Wooster man dead.
Wooster Police Chief Matt Fisher said Monday, Dec. 12, that his department is “interested in questioning” a person in the death of 21-year-old Clifford Johnson, last known address 358 1/2 West Larwill St. Johnson was killed in a shooting incident that occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. on East North Street in Wooster.
According to Wooster Police reports, Johnson and a small crowd were in front of a residence on East North Street when two black males approached. The men exchanged words with Johnson and “a gunshot was heard and the suspects fled the area on foot,” Fisher said.
Fisher said the shooting appears to have been intentional. Fisher further stated that it is believed the suspects and Johnson were acquainted with one another.
Johnson was shot in the back and died at Wooster Community Hospital.
The two men who approached Johnson concealed their faces, Fisher said.
Johnson was previously arrested by Wooster Police and jailed on a charge of extortion, Dec. 1. The charge was dismissed Dec. 8, according to Wayne County court records. Fisher said there does not appear to be a connection with the charge and the shooting “at this time.”
Fisher said police are further investigating a shooting incident Dec. 11 that occurred on Washington Street in Wooster that is believed to be related to the Dec. 10 incident. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. and “those involved in the incident did not contact the police and refused to cooperate with officers,” according to a Wooster police press. Fisher said shell casings were recovered at both shootings. He declined to comment on how the two incidents might be related.
No injuries were reported in the Dec. 11 shooting.
The weapon used in the fatal shooting is believed to be a handgun, Fisher said.
Both incidents remain under investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Sgt. Robert Merillat at 330-287-5720.
Wooster Police Chief Matt Fisher said Monday, Dec. 12, that his department is “interested in questioning” a person in the death of 21-year-old Clifford Johnson, last known address 358 1/2 West Larwill St. Johnson was killed in a shooting incident that occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. on East North Street in Wooster.
According to Wooster Police reports, Johnson and a small crowd were in front of a residence on East North Street when two black males approached. The men exchanged words with Johnson and “a gunshot was heard and the suspects fled the area on foot,” Fisher said.
Fisher said the shooting appears to have been intentional. Fisher further stated that it is believed the suspects and Johnson were acquainted with one another.
Johnson was shot in the back and died at Wooster Community Hospital.
The two men who approached Johnson concealed their faces, Fisher said.
Johnson was previously arrested by Wooster Police and jailed on a charge of extortion, Dec. 1. The charge was dismissed Dec. 8, according to Wayne County court records. Fisher said there does not appear to be a connection with the charge and the shooting “at this time.”
Fisher said police are further investigating a shooting incident Dec. 11 that occurred on Washington Street in Wooster that is believed to be related to the Dec. 10 incident. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. and “those involved in the incident did not contact the police and refused to cooperate with officers,” according to a Wooster police press. Fisher said shell casings were recovered at both shootings. He declined to comment on how the two incidents might be related.
No injuries were reported in the Dec. 11 shooting.
The weapon used in the fatal shooting is believed to be a handgun, Fisher said.
Both incidents remain under investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Sgt. Robert Merillat at 330-287-5720.
Published: December 12, 2011
