Texas officer who killed teen arrested on murder charge

ADDISON, Texas -- An off-duty suburban Dallas police officer who fatally shot a 16-year-old and wounded another juvenile was arrested Wednesday on charges of murder and aggravated assault, authorities said.

Farmers Branch officer Ken Johnson was taken into custody Wednesday night by Addison police officers and was booked into Dallas County Jail.

The shooting happened Sunday evening at a gas station in Addison. Officials have said Johnson saw a vehicle being burglarized in his apartment complex parking lot, and he gave chase when the suspects fled. After the suspects' vehicle spun out about a half-mile away, an altercation led to the shooting.

Jose Raul Cruz was killed, and the other juvenile, who also was shot, was hospitalized.

Johnson's attorney has said he feared for his life. Johnson was not injured.

Addison police chief Paul Spencer said in a statement Wednesday there was "probable cause" to arrest Johnson, but the investigation likely will take several weeks.

Farmers Branch police spokesman David Laisure declined to comment Wednesday, deferring to Addison police. Addison police Chief Paul Spencer previously has said Johnson had no disciplinary record. He also noted department policies do not allow off-duty officers to chase suspects in their own vehicles.

According to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, Johnson has worked for Farmers Branch police for a year. He worked as a peace officer for Dallas Area Rapid Transit for almost eight years before that.