TULSA, Okla. — It has been one year since officer Aurash Zarkeshan and Sgt. Craig Johnson were shot during a traffic stop near 21st and Memorial.
It has been an emotional year for both the police department, these officers’ families and the city of Tulsa as a whole.
Officer Zarkeshan pulled David Ware over June 29, 2020 after seeing his car with an expired paper tag, according to court documents. Tulsa Police Sergeant Craig Johnson stopped as back up.
Police say Ware refused to get out the car before eventually reaching under his seat for a gun, firing at the officers three times. Johnson died from his wounds but Zarkeshan later recovered.
>>>>>TIMELINE OF EVENTS<<<<<
July 2020 - procession for Sgt. Craig Johnson
VIDEO: Tulsa Police Department thanks city for support
VIDEO: TPD Chief Franklin surprises Zarkeshan as he recovers in the hospital.
July 2020 - fundraiser brings in more than half a million dollars to help officer’s families
July 2020 - House bill named after Sgt. Craig Johnson
October 2020- Zarkeshan returns home after months of treatment
October 2020 - Zarkeshan met with applause at first squad meeting since June shooting
November 2020- Zarkeshan returns to work
March 2021 - Matthew Hall is convicted of helping David Ware, the suspected shooter, get away
April 2021- Judge approves request to move David Ware’s trial to October 15, 2021
May 2021 - Gov. Stitt to give Zarkeshan and Johnson the Oklahoma Purple Heart in a ceremony at the State Capitol.
©2021 Cox Media Group