Garland Cyclist Expected to Recover After Being Struck by Fleeing Domestic Violence Suspect
GARLAND, Texas – A cyclist in Garland is expected to recover after being seriously injured when a domestic violence suspect allegedly attempted to evade police. The incident unfolded last Saturday, as a group of cyclists, including the victim, Jim Martin, concluded a routine ride from east Dallas.
Martin was struck by a speeding Dodge Charger driven by 36-year-old Justin Johnson, who was fleeing police after a domestic violence call. A woman reported that Johnson had assaulted her and vandalized her vehicle. When officers attempted to pull him over, Johnson reportedly discarded drugs out of the window before accelerating away, ultimately hitting Martin during the chase. Martin was carried on the hood of the vehicle for nearly half a mile before the suspect crashed into two other cars, which threw him off.
Greg Murff, a fellow cyclist and eyewitness, described the event as horrifying, noting that it all transpired in mere seconds. "We heard a roar of a car and then Jim was gone," Murff recounted, adding that it was surreal to see his friend disappear from view.
Johnson is currently in custody at the Dallas County Jail, facing multiple charges, including family violence, evading arrest, and causing serious injury. At the time of the crash, he had an outstanding warrant for a parole violation, with a criminal record dating back to 2011, including previous burglary convictions.
Following the traumatic event, Murff expressed gratitude for Martin’s survival but emphasized the need for change, stating he will seek a new route for future Saturday rides.
Source: Information is drawn from local law enforcement, Greg Murff, and previous reporting by FOX 4.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
