A former inmate at the Western Correctional Institution is found guilty of attempted murder, armed carjacking and escape. 38 year old Larry Johnson was an inmate at WCI when in September of last year he was assigned to a road crew working along I-68. Using pliers Johnson attacked the correctional officer supervising the crew and took over the Department of Corrections van which had a trailer of equipment attached to the back. Johnson lost control and jack knifed the trailer. The officer continued to attempt to take Johnson back into custody. During the altercation, the officer suffered a number of lacerations to his head and a stab wound to his chest which narrowly missed his heart and lung.At one point Johnson apparently realized the van was no longer a viable source for transportation, leading him to flag down a passing motorist 23 year old Alan Gnegy of Morgantown. Gnegy was on his way to work and exiting onto Rt. 495, was stabbed in the temple and pulled from his car. Johnson fled the scene in the stolen car but was soon located by troopers who were alerted following 911 calls by the officer and another passing motorist. Johnson wrecked the stolen vehicle by striking a tree after he traveled into the Sky Valley and Thousand Acres developments, eventually driving through a wooded area.Both victims were transported to Western Maryland Health Systems where they were treated.For the attempted murder charges, Johnson faces possible life sentences.
Posted on: Fri, 04 Oct 2013 10:42:33 +0000