Suspect involved in Rochester OIS arrested in Worth County extradited to Olmsted County
Jesse James Johnson (Credit: Olmsted County Adult Detention Center)
(ABC 6 News) – An Eyota man who was arrested in Worth County on Feb. 10 after a car chase with law enforcement was extradited to Olmsted County, where a warrant was out for his arrest.
Jesse James Johnson, 38, was booked in the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center on Feb. 17. A warrant was out for his arrest after an incident that occurred in June 2022.
According to court records, officers with the Rochester Police Department (RPD) responded to a call regarding an assault in southeast Rochester on June 13, 2022. Officers located an adult male victim who was at a shop with another adult male and Johnson. The male victim got into an argument with Johnson, which turned physical when Johnson allegedly brandished a pistol. The victim said Johnson allegedly tried to shoot him, but the gun “jammed.” Johnson then allegedly struck the male victim in the face with the gun, causing him to lose consciousness.
The other adult male told RPD officers he did not observe the altercation, but saw the male victim on the ground after the alleged assault. After the assaulted male got up, the male witness told Johnson and the male victim that they should leave.
Johnson was convicted of a felony controlled substance crime in the 5th degree in May 2019, making it unlawful for him to possess a firearm.
On Sept. 20, 2022, a complaint summons was filed and a notice of remote hearing was mailed to Johnson. On Oct. 10, the mail was returned as “return to sender unable to forward.” Johnson was scheduled to appear at the hearing on Oct. 27, but failed to show. Therefore, the State requested a warrant be issued for his arrest.
On Dec. 14, 2022, Johnson was located in the 1000 block of 15th Ave. SE near Planet Fitness in Rochester. Olmsted County Sheriff deputies approached Johnson to arrest him, but he was able to get to his car and fled the scene allegedly ramming two law enforcement vehicles before driving off. During the incident, the use-of-deadly-force was used as one shot was fired by Olmsted County Sheriff Deputy Sean Cooper toward Johnson’s vehicle.
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On Feb 10, 2023, an Iowa State Trooper allegedly located Johnson in a stolen car on a gravel road near Manly in Worth County. The trooper attempted to make a traffic stop, which Johnson allegedly evaded, and the two raced into Manly at speeds over 100 mph, where they were joined by members of the Manly Police Department.
Law enforcement was able to attempt a Precision Intervention Technique (PIT) stop, pulling along and slightly behind Johnson’s vehicle as he slowed down, then nudging a rear tire enough to force the vehicle to spin out. Johnson was then taken into custody.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, Johnson faces the following charges in Worth County: eluding law enforcement, 2nd-degree theft, driving without a license, and multiple speed and stop sign violations.
Johnson appeared in Olmsted County court on Tuesday and faces charges from the June 2022 incident including 2nd-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, 3rd-degree assault with inflicting substantial bodily harm, and possession of ammunition or any firearm while prohibited after being convicted of a crime of violence.
Johnson is scheduled to appear in court next on March 7.