The wife of the man accused in the crash that killed a Broward Sheriff's Office deputy exclusively told NBC 6 that she is shocked about the charges against her husband.
Darran Johnson faces charges of vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter in the July 21 crash that killed Deputy Benjamin Nimtz. He also faces 11 other criminal counts and infractions.
According to BSO officials, the crash happened around 3 a.m. as Nimtz was responding to a domestic dispute call with his emergency lights and siren on. As Nimtz approached the intersection of Military Trail and Southwest 10th Street in Deerfield Beach, Johnson, who was driving a Toyota Tundra above the posted 45 mph speed limit, ran a red light and struck Nimtz's car, officials said.
The 32-year-old was driving with a suspended license.
Johnson's wife, who did not want to be identified, said her husband of four months is a man of good character.
"He's a great guy, very responsible, great father, great son, and is a great husband," she said.
She also told NBC 6 she felt sorry and is worried about the deputy's family.
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Johnson's wife claims her husband didn't know his license was suspended. Records indicate a notice was sent out June 28, and the suspension began three days before the crash.
The suspension was due to Johnson's failure to pay a ticket. He has a history of multiple infractions in his driving record.
Johnson remains in Broward's main jail under no bond.
