Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Chris Johnson shot, killed Carson City resident Henry Simpson at Senator Apartments

The names of the Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper who shot and killed an armed suspect and the suspect in the shooting were released Thursday.

Chris Johnson, a 17-year veteran of the Highway Patrol, was the officer, who shot and killed Carson City resident Henry Simpson, who was armed, after Simpson failed to follow Johnson’s verbal commands, NHP reported.

NHP reported at 9:29 a.m. Tuesday, Carson City dispatch received a 911 phone call of a white male who had shot a gun in the Managers Office of the Senator Apartments, 505 S. Roop St. The 911 caller reported the male suspect had shot his weapon. The apartments are located on the southeast corner of the intersection of 5th and South Roop streets.

At the time of the call Johnson was on duty at the Carson City Sheriff’s/Nevada Highway Patrol Sub Station which is two blocks north of where the reported “shots fired” call had originated.

Johnson arrived on scene at 9:33 a.m. with deputies of the Carson City Sheriff’s Office. Additional staff from both agencies were en route.

Johnson retrieved his division issued AR15, said NHP Public Information Officer Duncan Dauber.

“At the time of law enforcements arrival, the exact location of the male shooter within the complex was still unclear,” Dauber said. “Verbal commands for the shooter to exit the complex were being issued by law enforcement with no response from anyone in the complex.”

A male witness advised Johnson the shooter was inside one of the adjacent rooms (No. 99 or No. 100) which was accessible through No. 98.

As he approached the entrance to room No. 99, Johnson observed an older white male — later identified as Simpson, a local resident of the apartment complex —within room No. 99 holding a revolver in his hand, NHP reported. Multiple verbal commands were given by Johnson for Simpson to drop the weapon. Simpson failed to follow the verbal commands, and based on movements made by Simpson, Johnson fired three shots striking Simpson in the chest, NHP reported.

Medical personnel were called immediately and the scene was secured. Simpson was pronounced deceased on scene due to the injuries sustained in the shooting.

As per department policy, Johnson has been placed on administrative leave.

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be investigating the shooting. Simpson was a resident in the apartment building, though motive is still unclear.