On Sunday, 1/4/26 at 12:05 a.m., police officers were in the area of Brookhurst St. and Stanford Ave. investigating an assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Garden Grove Police Department.
The officers attempted to detain a male subject armed with a knife, who was involved in the altercation. The suspect ignored officers commands and a foot pursuit ensued.
During the foot pursuit, a GGPD officer was struck by an unrelated vehicle that was traveling on Brookhurst. The officer was transported to the hospital and is in critical condition.
The suspect who fled was later caught and taken into custody. He was later identified as Lonnie Johnson, a 34-year-old black man. He has no permanent address which could mean he is a transient.
The GGPD thanks the AnaheimPD, OrangePD, CHP and any other agencies who assisted in getting their wounded officer safely to the hospital, the investigation, or assisted in getting the suspect in custody.
Penalties faced by the suspect
Based on the reports from the incident on Sunday, January 4, 2026, the penalties and legal statuses for the individuals involved are as follows:
The Suspect (Lonnie Johnson)
The 34-year-old suspect, identified as Lonnie Johnson, was arrested and is facing several felony charges related to the initial altercation and his subsequent flight.
- Charges: He has been charged with three felonies:
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon (PC 245(a)(1)): Due to the use of a knife during the initial 7-Eleven altercation.
- Felony Criminal Threats: For allegedly threatening individuals at the scene.
- Felony Obstruction/Resisting an Officer: For ignoring commands and triggering the foot pursuit.
- Potential Penalties:
- Prison Time: A felony conviction for assault with a deadly weapon (not involving a firearm) typically carries a sentence of 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison.
- Fines: He may face fines of up to $10,000.
- Strike Status: Under California’s “Three-Strikes” law, this type of assault is considered a “strike” offense.
The Driver
The driver of the vehicle that struck the officer is currently not facing criminal penalties.
- Legal Status: The Garden Grove Police Department stated the driver remained at the scene and has been fully cooperative with the investigation.
- Arrest: The driver was not arrested.
- Liability: Under California law, a driver who exercises “due care” and is involved in an unavoidable accident—such as an officer suddenly entering the roadway during a foot pursuit—is typically not held criminally liable. New 2026 road safety mandates (like AB 390) primarily target stationary vehicles with hazard lights, which may not apply to an officer active in a foot pursuit.
I hope the officer makes a full and quick recovery.