By Police1 Staff
BOSSIER CITY, La. — A sergeant conducting a traffic stop back in April was almost hit at close range, but the suspect’s gun misfired, KSLA reported.
Sgt. Kenneth Johnson pulled over Malik Wortham, 20, and Nathan Birdwell,18 , on April 16, police said. Birdwell, who was driving, was removed from the vehicle.
When Johnson walked over to the passenger side, Wortham pointed his gun at the officer and fired twice, the news station reported. But the gun misfired both times, preventing Johnson from being shot at close range.
Police said Johnson heard the gun click twice and drew his weapon in defense, shooting Wortham three times. Wortham was shot in the head and was treated at a local hospital.
“This incident is a sobering reminder that police officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us all safe,” Assistant DA Santi Parks said. “We appreciate how difficult and dangerous their job can be and are glad that Sgt. Johnson was not killed that night.”
Wortham pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder Tuesday and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Birdwell, who faces marijuana possession charges, is scheduled to be back in court in January, according to KTBS.