Troopers: Harnett County deputy crossed center line, killed in multi-vehicle crash

A Harnett County deputy was killed after he crashed into a tractor-trailer Tuesday afternoon, causing a three-vehicle crash on Darroch Road.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Deputy Chris Johnson crossed the center line in his Dodge Charger and hit a tractor-trailer on Darroch Road near N.C. Highway 210 in Harnett County.

After impact, Johnson's patrol car rotated in the roadway and struck a car that was behind the tractor-trailer. The driver and passenger of that car were taken to a local hospital to be treated for minor injuries. Johnson died at the scene.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured, highway patrol said.

The crash happened just before 3 p.m.

Sky 5 flew over the scene of the accident, and the three vehicles involved were visible. State troopers could be seen lining the street as they investigated the crash.

No charges have been filed.

Deputy honored by multiple agencies

Johnson was with the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office for 16 months. He previously worked with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office for 16 years and the Dunn Police Department for 9 years.

Deputies and officers described him as a professional law enforcement officer who was "well respected by his colleagues in his profession and his community."

"As we mourn the untimely loss of Deputy Johnson, we recognize the impact he has had on the community where he lived, but also the community in which he served," the Harnett County Sheriff's Office said. "Please continue to pray for not only his family, but also those who he has impacted through his dedicated service to the Harnett County School System."

On Wednesday, flags at the sheriff's office headquarters were at half-staff.

Several law enforcement agencies provided statements on Johnson's death, including the Raleigh Police Department:

"Our hearts go out to the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office and the entire Harnett County community for the loss of one of their dedicated public servants. The officers of the RPD mourn and grieve with the deputy’s family and each member of the HCSO and stand with them during this difficult time."

Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton, who Johnson worked for in Sampson County, said Johnson grew up in Sampson County and was "an all-around good guy." Thornton recalled a moment Johnson made sure a man facing eviction had a place to stay and money to relocate.

"That was just the kind of person he was," Thornton said. "He didn't want to throw the guy out on the street because he had no family members. It's a big loss. Due to the nature of his death, it's really tragic."

Johnson was also a school resource officer at Highland Middle School in Harnett County. A spokesperson there said the school will have grief counselors to speak with students and faculty.

"Harnett County Schools is deeply saddened by the death of Harnett County Deputy Sheriff Chris Johnson," the district said. "He served as a School Resource Officer at Highland Middle School. We are grateful for his service to our students and staff. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. Grief counselors are available at the school to speak with any student or faculty member who may need additional support."

Back the Blue NC started a GoFundMe to help Johnson's family cover funeral expenses and "any financial burdens they may incur."

Johnson had told Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats how much he was looking forward to retirement and spending more time with his children.

"He would sit in here talk about his family and children," Coats said. "He was a very personal guy. He liked to talk about his family."

Plans are to escort Johnson's body from Betsy Johnson Hospital in Dunn to Crumpler-Honeycutt Funeral Home in Clinton on Thursday around 11 a.m. There will be a convey of more than 50 law enforcement vehicles.