June 25, 2025 – Last night, officers responded to the area of East Main Street and Carthage Highway after a citizen reported being shot at by a passenger in another vehicle while stopped at a red light.
D-Shift officers and detectives quickly arrived, began processing evidence, and worked to identify the suspect vehicle using various investigative tools, including our SafeNet LPR system. Through their efforts, it was determined that this incident seemed as an unprovoked act.
During a routine extra patrol, officers spotted the suspect vehicle at a local hotel. As the investigation progressed, Montelito “Loco” Johnson was identified as a potential suspect.
The search continued throughout the night, with B-Shift seamlessly picking up where D-Shift left off the following morning.
Around lunchtime today, officers were dispatched to Plaza 231 Inn after a concerned tenant reported a man and woman arguing in the parking lot.
Upon arrival, an officer observed a male and female yelling, matching the description provided. As the officer attempted to speak with them, the male walked toward a motel room. The male then tried to shut the door on the officer but was unable to do so. When asked for identification, the male stated his name was Montelito Johnson. Immediately after, Johnson managed to close the door.
Officers backed away and established a perimeter around the room. Out of an abundance of caution, dispatch notified administrators at Kids World Daycare, Coles Ferry, Sam Houston, and Walter J. Baird Middle School to initiate a soft lockdown due to ongoing summer programs. After determining that the suspect was contained to one room and there was no secondary exit to the facility ,it was determined that further lockdowns measures were not necessary.
Members of LPD’s Hostage Negotiation Team arrived and worked to establish communication with Johnson. After roughly 20 minutes, he exited the room and was taken into custody without incident by B-Shift officers and members of the command staff.
Following consent to search the motel room, detectives discovered a handgun hidden in the ceiling, possibly used in the previous night’s shooting.
Montelito Johnson has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Vandalism.
Source: Lebanon Police
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