Mass. cop indicted for lying about shooting found dead

BOSTON, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- A Massachusetts police officer indicted for allegedly sending a hoax bomb threat and staging a crime scene was found dead in his home. Foul play is not suspected.

Bryan Johnson, 24, was facing charges related to allegedly calling in a fake bomb threat at a local high school to mislead a criminal investigation and staging a shootout with a non-existent motorist. He was found dead in his home about 3:30 a.m. Thursday. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

"No signs of foul play were found at the scene. The death is not currently being investigated as a homicide," Peggy Krippendorf, a Norfolk District Attorney's Office spokeswoman said.

On Nov. 19, Johnson was indicted on six charges and faced more than 40 years in prison if convicted. Investigators said Johnson fired his personal weapon into his service vehicle before telling police a man in a pickup truck opened fire on him. Police launched a massive manhunt with dozens of officers, a helicopter and armored cars. Investigators later learned he faked the shooting and the subsequent hoax bomb threat at Millis High School.