Charges against a Millis, Massachusetts, police officer accused of making up a story about him taking gunfire Wednesday before getting into a fiery car accident with his cruiser, were announced Friday.
The officer, 24-year-old Bryan Johnson of Millis, was scheduled to begin training as a full-time officer before Wednesday's incident. He has since been officially fired from his job.
Millis Police Sgt. Bill Dwyer announced Friday afternoon that a warrant had been issued for Johnson's arrest; he's not expected to be arraigned this week, though.
Johnson is currently being held for six to 10 days for an evaluation at a medical facility.
Charges against the officer include malicious destruction of property, witness intimidation, unlawful discharge of a firearm and providing false information.
A police report alleges Johnson used his personal, 9mm handgun to fire three rounds into his own cruiser, then used his police gun to fire three more shots across Forest Road to make it appear as if he was firing back at a suspect.
Police also say he reported "blacking out" before driving his cruiser into a wooded area, causing it to catch fire.
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"Obviously there's something wrong," said Dwyer. "Hopefully, he gets the help he needs."
As the manhunt was unfolding, police say so was Johnson's story with "several inconsistencies."
Eventually, they say he "admitted misleading investigators" and making up the whole story.
Johnson's alleged motive remains unclear.
Also under investigation are two threats, including a bomb threat, that were called in to the administrative office of the local middle school.
READ: Letter to the community from Nancy Gustafson, Superintendent:
"We have one officer who obviously has some problems make a terrible mistake," said Dwyer. "But if you didn't see the effort that was put forward by Millis Police, MetroLec, the Millis fire department, the state police, the ATF, the FBI and over 35 communities in this area, then you missed out on what law enforcement is really about."
The incident remains under investigation.
