HOMICIDE ARREST - AMITY TOWNSHIP
News Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2023
HOMICIDE ARREST - AMITY TOWNSHIP
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Tuesday – February 28, 2023
Contact: Chief County Detective Michael J. Gombar
mgombar@countyofberks.com
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Homicide Arrest
DEFENDANT: Darrell A. JOHNSON (37 years of age)
Pottstown, PA
*Currently incarcerated at S.C.I.-Mahanoy, Frackville, PA
CHARGES: Murder of the First Degree
Murder of the Second Degree
Murder of the Third Degree
Robbery (multiple counts) (F1)
Aggravated Assault (multiple counts) (F1)
Possession of Firearm Prohibited (F2)
Tampering with Public Records or Information (F3)
Possessing Instruments of Crime (M1)
Simple Assault (M2)
DETAILS OF INCIDENT:
On Saturday, August 6, 2016, at approximately 9:05 p.m., Michael W. Shields (28 years of age), was shot to death outside of 640 East Ben Franklin Highway, in Amity Township, after a male suspect attempted to steal a motorcycle from Shields and his acquaintance at gunpoint. The male acquaintance, who was pistol whipped during this incident, suffered a head injury.
This homicide was initially investigated by the Amity Township Police Department and the Berks County Detectives. Throughout this investigation, evidence was obtained that linked the Defendant to this crime. As the investigation continued, additional evidence was identified.
On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, the defendant was charged with Murder of the First Degree, Murder of the Second Degree, Murder of the Third Degree, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Possession of Firearm Prohibited, Tampering with Public Records or Information, Possessing Instruments of Crime, and Simple Assault. A warrant of arrest was issued for Johnson by Magisterial District Judge Steven M. Chieffo, Oley, PA.
The defendant, who is currently incarcerated on an unrelated matter was denied bail on March 6, 2023.
A Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This homicide was initially investigated by the Amity Township Police Department and the Berks County Detectives. Throughout this investigation, evidence was obtained that linked the Defendant to this crime. As the investigation continued, additional evidence was identified.
On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, the defendant was charged with Murder of the First Degree, Murder of the Second Degree, Murder of the Third Degree, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Possession of Firearm Prohibited, Tampering with Public Records or Information, Possessing Instruments of Crime, and Simple Assault. A warrant of arrest was issued for Johnson by Magisterial District Judge Steven M. Chieffo, Oley, PA.
The defendant, who is currently incarcerated on an unrelated matter was denied bail on March 6, 2023.
A Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.