Man Indicted for Attempted Murder of Department of Child Safety Case Worker

PHOENIX, AZ – Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the indictment of Deandre Terrell Johnson (DOB: 7/1992) on charges of attempted first-degree murder and other felonies following a violent attack on a Department of Child Safety (DCS) case worker.

Johnson is accused of strangling the case worker until the victim lost consciousness during a meeting related to his daughter’s case. After the attack, Johnson fled the scene in his vehicle but was apprehended by Mesa Police following a pursuit.

The Grand Jury indictment includes the following charges:

• One count of Attempt to Commit First-Degree Murder (Dangerous), a Class Two Felony
• One count of Aggravated Assault, a Class Four Felony
• One count of Unlawful Flight from a Law Enforcement Vehicle, a Class Five Felony
• Four counts of Disorderly Conduct, a Class One Misdemeanor

Johnson is currently being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond.

“This kind of violence against a public servant who is dedicated to protecting children is absolutely unacceptable,” said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “We will pursue justice vigorously to ensure the safety of those who serve our community.”

Johnson remains in custody while awaiting trial. Under Arizona law, a criminal charge is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.