Embattled doctor dies after pursuit, crash on Whidbey Island

A doctor who was fighting accusations of assault and stealing from his patients was killed in a violent crash following a police pursuit on Whidbey Island early Sunday, police said.

Dr. Donald "Russ" Johnson went from being a well-respected Whidbey Island dermatologist to a man with financial problems at work and then charges of assaulting his girlfriend.

Johnson pleaded guilty on Thursday to two counts of assault and one count of violating a no contact order. He got credit for time served and was released.

State troopers said they believe Johnson was drunk when he refused to pull over in his Toyota Celica on Sunday morning.  After a pursuit, he crashed, was ejected from his vehicle, and then run over by a trooper on the approach to the Deception Pass Bridge.

The violent death was a devastating ending for a man who former employees say was a wonderful doctor who appeared to be getting a chance for a new start.

“I’m sad and I want people to know he’s an amazing man and a fantastic doctor,” said Katy Bennett.

“I’m just overwhelmed,” said Ludmila Mayhew.

While a group of his former employees gathered in Coupeville to grieve his death, they also remembered the fun times they had working for the doctor.

“(He was) fun and had a good personality.  I mean, watching it go down and see things transpire, you wonder why such a great person would have that kind of a downward spiral,” said  Farrah Manning.

The group said they had always hoped to get to work for Johnson again.