A man who allegedly fired on deputies following a chase and then held them on an armed standoff for over an hour has been indicted on a multitude of charges.
The defendant, Johnny F. Copley, has been in jail since the incident in early May which ended with him being taken into custody sitting inside an outhouse with a gun in his lap. He was indicted on charges of attempted first-degree murder for allegedly firing on Chef Deputy Tommy Myers, evading arrest, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, vandalism and unlawful carrying of a weapon.
He also faces additional charges stemming from offenses prior to the chase including vandalism, criminal trespass, theft, felony theft, aggravated burglary and burglary.
Lawmen say Copley went on a burglary spree earlier in the morning before his pursuit by officers. At least one homeowner fired a round through the back window of Copley’s vehicle after he caught him breaking into his garage. Another victim reported finding Copley in his house around daybreak and noticing several items missing. The victim also noticed a place in his backyard where Copley had apparently painted his vehicle with spray paint in an effort to disguise it.
However, deputies fell in behind the crudely painted car the following morning, prompting Copley to flee, leading lawmen into a nursery field off Hennesee Bridge Road. Witnesses say Copley ran through several fences as lawmen shot out a tire. He then rammed the pursuing sheriff’s units before abandoning his car with guns blazing.
Myers dodged rounds fired by Copley, responding with gunfire himself. Neither was hit. Copley was caught following an armed standoff with officers finding him about an hour later hiding inside a outhouse clutching a 44-caliber pistol. He surrendered without further resistance.