Crime
Authorities Seek Driver in Fatal Hit-and-Run of 19-year-old Ka’Vontrae Johnson in New Waverly
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the vehicle or driver involved in the hit-and-run to come forward.
The Huntsville Police Department and the Walker County Sheriff’s Office are urgently seeking information about the driver responsible for a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of 19-year-old Ka’Vontrae Johnson.
The tragic incident occurred on January 2, at approximately 3:45 p.m., on the 400 block of West State Highway TX-150, just west of New Waverly.
Ka’Vontrae Johnson was walking home from the library when he was struck by an unidentified vehicle. Instead of stopping to render aid, the driver fled the scene, leaving Ka’Vontrae fatally injured.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but the young man tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Today would have marked Ka’Vontrae’s 20th birthday, adding a somber weight to the grief felt by his family and friends.
His sudden and senseless death has left a community heartbroken, with many calling for justice.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the vehicle or driver involved in the hit-and-run to come forward.
The Huntsville Police Department and Walker County Sheriff’s Office are committed to finding those responsible and holding them accountable for this tragic loss.
“We extend our prayers, condolences, and unwavering support to Ka’Vontrae’s family and friends,” a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office said.
“We encourage the public to help amplify awareness of this incident to ensure justice is served.”
If you have any information related to the hit-and-run, please contact:
- Walker County Sheriff’s Office: (936) 435-2400
- Huntsville Police Department: (936) 291-5480
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to local Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-392-7867 or visiting their website.
Ka’Vontrae Johnson’s life was tragically cut short as he walked home from the library—a place of learning and growth.
His loved ones, alongside the community, are united in their plea for answers and justice for a promising young man who was taken far too soon.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.