Crime & Safety

America's Most Wanted To Feature 1980 East Atlanta Murder Of Atlanta Police Officer

Alfred Johnson was gunned down at former Flat Shoals Avenue grocery store

It's the case that's haunted Atlanta police investigators for 31 years: The unsolved murder of one of their own.

Ofc. Alfred Morris Johnson Jr. was shot and killed Feb. 16, 1980 while working off-duty security at the now-closed Big Buy Food Store on Flat Shoals Avenue, just south of Metropolitan Avenue.

His death, which remains the only unsolved murder of an Atlanta police officer, will be featured tonight on Fox's "America's Most Wanted."

Find out what's happening in East Atlantawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The broadcast is at 9 p.m. on WAGA Fox 5.

Johnson, a U.S. Marine who had been with the Atlanta Police Department for six years, was shot by two masked gunmen during a hold-up of the grocery store.

Find out what's happening in East Atlantawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As Johnson wrestled for control of the sawed-off shotgun one of the robbers had, he was shot in the abdomen.

The other gunman then shot the 31-year-old as he lay bleeding on the floor.

The gunmen then robbed the store of money and food stamps.

Johnson was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where he later died from his injuries, leaving behind his wife and two daughters, who were five and two years old at the time.

Though APD reopened the case last year and is offering a $35,000 reward, the murder remains unsolved.

APD is hoping with the airing on "America's Most Wanted," people will step forward with new leads.

Anyone with information can report a tip or call 1-800-CRIME-TV. You can report it anonymously.


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