On Saturday September 30, 2023, Southwest Patrol Officers engaged in a vehicle pursuit that ended near the 8400 block of Mabelvale Pike, where officers lost sight of the vehicle. A short time later, officers located the vehicle abandoned. As officers searched the immediate area, a pickup truck was observed circling the area and attempted to leave. That truck was stopped at the intersection of Mabelvale Circle and Mabelvale Pike. With weapons drawn, officers cautiously approached the vehicle giving verbal commands instructing the occupants to exit the vehicle. As the driver began to comply with the command by exiting the vehicle, the driver’s side rear passenger -- later identified as 20-year-old Brendan Johnson -- moved from the rear seat to the driver’s seat and began to drive away. Mr. Johnson was commanded to stop and get out of the vehicle but refused. Shots were then fired by LRPD Officer Johvoni McClendon which struck Johnson. Until MEMS arrived, Johnson was rendered medical aid at the scene. He was later transported to an area hospital for treatment where he has been upgraded to stable condition.

This is an ongoing investigation and since this incident involved an officer discharging a service weapon, an internal investigation has begun. A separate criminal investigation is also underway. Johvoni McClendon has been with the Little Rock Police Department just under 3 years.

To see the incident report, click here