Steve Johnson, 47, of Yucaipa was shot several times in his upper torso after stopping at Seccombe Lake Park on Fifth Street in San Bernardino shortly before 8 p.m. Jan. 21.
Johnson, a popular boys basketball coach at the Rialto school, said he stopped to use the bathroom on his way to get gasoline, San Bernardino police said.
According to police, Johnson has given conflicting reports of what transpired that night.
In a previous statement, San Bernardino Police Chief Robert Handy said there is reason to believe that Johnson withheld some information in
his statement of what happened that night and that his failure to be completely honest hindered the investigation.Police want Johnson to be charged with obstruction of justice.
"This case is pending review," said district attorney's spokesman Christopher Lee. "Until a decision has been made, we cannot comment any further."
Johnson initially told police he stopped at the park to urinate and that when he was done three black men attempted to rob him.
Handy has said police had no reason to doubt that Johnson was the victim of a robbery followed by a shooting at the park.
The gunman demanded Johnson's wallet. When he said he didn't have it, the gunman opened fire, police said.
Since the shooting, Johnson has changed his story multiple times, prompting the filing of the case with prosecutors, police said.
A witness reportedly came forward but Handy said in a phone interview Friday that he would not confirm or comment on the matter.
Johnson was at home recovering but under heavy medication, according to his brother, Phil Johnson.
Officials with the Rialto Unified School District said they continue to support Johnson as he recovers.
"We wish Coach Johnson, who indeed was the victim of a violent crime, a speedy recovery, and the district will continue to work with law enforcement during their investigation," district spokeswoman Syeda Jafri has said.
Reach Doug via email, call him at 909-386-3925, or find him on Twitter @crimeshutterbug.
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