Ex-Atlanta Cop Sentenced To 20 Years In Attack On Unarmed Teen

ATLANTA — Former Atlanta police officer Matthew Johns was given a 20-year sentence with five of those to serve in jail after pleading guilty to attacking an unarmed teen after a high-speed police chase. Earlier this year, Johns pleaded guilty to an eight-count indictment before Fulton Superior Court Judge Constance Russell.

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.

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

Read: Ex-Atlanta Cop Pleads Guilty In Attack Of Unarmed Teen