BPD: 2nd murder arrest made after heroin overdose
Published 2:32 pm Friday, August 2, 2019
- Law enforcement officials seized drugs and other evidence from the home of Roderick Johnson during his arrest Friday.
Further investigation into a recent heroin overdose led to a second arrest Friday morning, according to Bogalusa Police Department officials.
On Wednesday, the BPD arrested William “Billy” Thomas and charged him with second-degree murder, after he allegedly gave heroin to an acquaintance, which led to the victim’s death by overdose.
“By Friday morning, Aug. 2, Bogalusa Police Department detectives had identified the person believed responsible for selling heroin to William Thomas,” BPD Maj. Wendell O’Berry said.
Detectives obtained arrest warrants for Roderick Dwayne Johnson of Bogalusa for second-degree murder and distribution of heroin.
Roderick Johnson
O’Berry said that detectives then obtained a search warrant for Johnson’s residence in the 1200 block of Ann Street. Members of the BPD Detective Division and Patrol Division, with assistance from Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives, executed the search warrant at Johnson’s residence early Friday morning, where Johnson was arrested on the two aforementioned charges.
“A search of his residence yielded a large quantity of various narcotics, a firearm, and cash,” O’Berry said. “Based on the search results, it is apparent that Johnson is a major dealer of heroin and other illegal narcotics in our community.”
As a result of the search, Johnson was additionally charged with the following charges: possession with intent to distribute marijuana, heroin, MDMA (ecstasy), Xanax, amphetamine, methylphenidate, hydrocodone, and legend drugs promethezine and gabapentin, possession of suboxone, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of narcotics in a drug-free zone, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance.
O’Berry said that it appears that Johnson was processing illegal narcotics for distribution when officers arrived at his residence.
“Johnson has an extensive criminal history, but we hope this will end his days of selling poison in our city,” O’Berry said. “This case should serve as an example to the community of what can happen when multiple witnesses come forward and cooperate with police.”