On February 8, 2021, Officer Elias Cerdas shot and killed Joseph Johnson in Johnson’s backyard while searching for a suspect who had fled a traffic stop. Johnson, mistaken for the suspect, was holding a firearm in his own yard. Cerdas was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter, but the case was dismissed on the condition that he complete 100 hours of firearm and use-of-force training and undergo a year of supervised patrol. Johnson’s family filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful death and civil rights violations. ([localnews8.com](https://localnews8.com/news/idaho-falls/2023/02/22/family-of-man-killed-in-officer-involved-shooting-sues-idaho-falls-police/?utm_source=openai))
Elias Aurelio Cerdas – Idaho Falls Police Department
Written by CBKN76