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Dashcam video just released by the Bossier Parish District Attorney’s office shows just how close a Bossier City officer came to being shot at close range back in April. The release of the video comes after 20-year-old Malik Wortham of Springhill pleaded guilty Tuesday to attempted first-degree murder in exchange for a sentence of 25 years in prison. It happened during a late-night traffic stop outside the main gate of Barksdale Air Force Base back on April 16, when Wortham pointed a .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol out of the passenger window just inches from the face of Bossier City Police Sgt. Kenneth Johnson. The entire harrowing incident was captured on Johnson’s dash cam and was played for a 12 person jury during Sgt. Johnson’s testimony.
According to a release that accompanied the release of the video from the DA’s office, Johnson recalled hearing the gun “click” as Wortham pulled the trigger twice in rapid succession. The officer immediately drew his weapon and returned fire three times, striking Wortham in the head and wounding him. Wortham’s gun, which was fully loaded, failed to fire both times. At the conclusion of the officer’s testimony, Wortham took the plea deal offered by prosecutors. The sentence was imposed by Judge Jeff Thompson and the jury was dismissed. Wortham faced up to 50 years in prison if he didn’t take the deal was found guilty by jury trial.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Santi Parks with assistance from Richard Ray. “This incident is a sobering reminder that police officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us all safe” commented Parks. “We appreciate how difficult and dangerous their job can be and are glad that Sgt. Johnson was not killed that night.” “Anyone who is willing to point a gun at a police officer and pull the trigger needs to be put away for a long time,” added Bossier/Webster District Attorney Schuyler Marvin, “I am pleased with this resolution and am proud of how quickly and aggressively our office brought this matter to a conclusion.” Wortham, who was represented by Randal Fish and Kerry Hill with the Public Defender’s Office, was remanded to custody to begin serving his sentence.
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