Ex-Atlanta Cop Pleads Guilty In Attack Of Unarmed Teen

ATLANTA — A former Atlanta police officer pleaded guilty Wednesday to an eight-count indictment in the attack of an unarmed teenager. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard, Jr., said Matthew Johns entered the plea in Fulton Superior Court before Judge Constance Russell. Initial reports from officials the teen died in the attack were incorrect.

On September 15, 2016, Atlanta police officers were in pursuit of a suspected stolen vehicle traveling along I-75 southbound. The pursuit ended along Lawton Street when a Georgia State Patrol trooper, who joined the chase, performed a successful PIT maneuver. A 15-year-old male, who was a passenger in the vehicle, exited the car and surrendered himself to authorities by immediately lying on the pavement with his hands up, showing he did not possess a weapon and did not intend to resist.

Despite the teen’s surrender, Johns, who was a four-year Atlanta police department veteran, ran to the unarmed teenager and kicked him three times in the head while he was laying on the ground. Howard said Johns then pressed his knee to the teen's neck. The victim was rendered unconscious and received cuts, bruises, a neck strain, and a serious concussion.

Johns was later fired by Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields in 2016.

Howard said Johns pleaded guilty to several counts of aggravated assault, false statement, and violation of oath by public officer.

“While criminal justice systems across this country struggle to investigate, prosecute, and hold police officers accountable, in Fulton County a law enforcement officer pleaded guilty today," Howard said. "There were no demonstrations or marches by concerned citizens, no chants, or any destruction of property. It was not necessary because the criminal justice system did exactly what concerned citizens demand of it; fairness, transparency, and action."

Johns will be sentenced on July 29.