ROCKINGHAM — A man is facing multiple charges for allegedly hitting a police officer with a vehicle after stealing several items from Walmart on Christmas Eve.
According to a warrant, 28-year-old Joshua Thomas Johnson, of Hamlet, stole a hoodie, sweat pants, a fishing pole and a Mountain Dew — valued at $67.47— from Walmart on Dec. 24, 2024.
Officer G.W. Elvis, with the Rockingham Police Department attempted to stop and arrest Johnson, according to the warrant. Elvis was knocked to the ground when Johnson allegedly struck him with the vehicle, causing injuries to the officer’s right hand and knee.
Johnson then allegedly fled the scene.
The warrant was issued Jan. 10 and Johnson was arrested Feb. 15 on charges of: assault with physical injury on a law enforcement officer; fleeing to elude arrest; reckless driving; resisting a public officer; and misdemeanor larceny.
Johnson was booked into the Richmond County Jail and, as of Feb. 17, was still being held on a $75,000 secured bond. He is scheduled to appear in court March 6.
Court records show Johnson has pending charges of driving while license revoked and giving fictitious information to an officer from November ‘24.
Johnson appears to have no prior convictions in North Carolina.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
