The man who barricaded himself in a Bolton home and exchanged gunfire with law enforcement will serve 15 to 20 years in prison after a plea deal in Columbus County Superior Court.
Gregory Johnson, 49, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder Thursday, District Attorney Jon David said in a press release.
The hours-long standoff on April 26, 2023, began as a domestic dispute, when Johnson kept a woman and child from leaving their home at 21925 Andrew Jackson Hwy. South.
Melissa Pickett had gone to the residence to pick Johnson up, according to the report. While she was inside, he allegedly became violent and assaulted Pickett. When Johnson went to retrieve a firearm, the report said, Pickett and a juvenile fled from the residence and hid until law enforcement arrived.
A deputy and a Lake Waccamaw officer responded to the 911 call, and got the mother and child to safety, David said in a press release. Johnson began shooting at officers, hitting the windshield of the deputy’s vehicle.
Johnson continued shooting at the officers, striking the deputy’s vehicle at least seven times. He had firearms situated at several locations in the home, and moved from window to window, law enforcement officers on the scene said.
Johnson eventually surrendered after calling 911 and saying he was injured. He was wearing body armor when he exited the home, and had an “extensive array of firearms and ammunition” in the home, David said.
“Miraculously, no law enforcement officers were hurt during this shootout,” David said. “There is no more life-threatening circumstance than responding to an active domestic violence call. These officers are to be commended for their bravery.
Jon David thanked the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Waccamaw Police Department, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, N.C. State Highway Patrol, and State Bureau of Investigation for their professionalism, hard work, and dedication to protecting the public that led to the apprehension and prosecution of this case.
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