Chattanooga Police Officer Lorin Johnston seeking settlement

Friday, January 1, 1904

Chattanooga police Officer Lorin Johnston could receive a settlement of more than $32,000 if Chattanooga City Council members approve it today.

Johnston, who still works as a Chattanooga police officer, was wounded in a gunbattle on Brainerd Road two years ago.

Lacie Stone, spokeswoman for Mayor Andy Berke, said the basis for the settlement is "on-the-job injury."

The Chattanooga City Council is expected to vote on whether to award the settlement during its meeting tonight.

Stone said settlement amounts are based on the nature of the claim and overall assessment of reasonableness for both parties involved.

Johnston was injured in April 2011 when he and the late Sgt. Tim Chapin responded to a robbery-in-progress call at a pawnshop on Brainerd Road. A gunbattle ensued with suspect Jesse Matthews, and Chapin was killed in the line of duty.

Johnston was shot in the back and injured, but the bullet did not pierce his body armor.

In December, Matthews pleaded guilty to murder charges and was sentenced to life without parole.

Johnston is credited with saving a fellow police officer's life by donating a kidney in 2007.

Contact staff writer Cliff Hightower at chightower@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6480. Follow him at twitter.com/cliffhightower or facebook.com/cliff.hightower