Officer Johnston was killed in an automobile accident while responding to backup officers.

Officer Johnston was driving east on 8200 block of Manchester Road near Hanley in Brentwood en route to Maplewood to assist Maplewood officers in investigating a prowler report. The vehicle went out of control when it struck the rails of an abandoned street car line and overturned. Officer Johnston sustained injuries including a fractured skull. A second officer in the car was unhurt.

Officer Johnston served with the agency for 6 years. He was survived by his wife and child. Interred: Cedar Park Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois.