Gahanna Police Officer Charged with OVI After Traffic Stop

Brenda Joyce Johnson, 29, was off-duty when she was pulled over by Ohio State Highway Patrol on January 24th.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 10:55pm

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A Gahanna police officer has been relieved of duty following her arrest for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. Brenda Joyce Johnson, 29, was stopped by an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper on January 24th while driving westbound on East Broad Street in Columbus. Johnson was charged with OVI and driving outside marked lanes, and a felony charge of improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle was dismissed at arraignment.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about public safety and the accountability of law enforcement officers, especially those who have prior alcohol-related incidents on their record. It also highlights the need for rigorous training and oversight to ensure officers uphold the law they are sworn to enforce.

The details

According to court records, Johnson had glassy, bloodshot eyes and there was a strong odor of alcohol when she was pulled over. A plea of not guilty was entered on the OVI and lane violation charges, and a pre-trial hearing is scheduled for February 25th. Johnson previously pleaded guilty in 2024 to a misdemeanor charge of physical control impaired, which involved an incident with New Albany police.

  • On January 24, 2026, Johnson was pulled over by an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper in Columbus.
  • On February 25, 2026, a pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Johnson's OVI and lane violation charges.

The players

Brenda Joyce Johnson

A 29-year-old Gahanna police officer who was charged with OVI and driving outside marked lanes following a traffic stop by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Ohio State Highway Patrol

The law enforcement agency that charged Johnson with OVI and other offenses after pulling her over on January 24th.

Gahanna Police Department

The department that has relieved Johnson of duty pending an administrative investigation into the incident.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on February 25th whether to allow Johnson to continue serving as a Gahanna police officer while the charges are pending.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strict standards and oversight for law enforcement officers, to ensure they are held to the same laws they are sworn to uphold and that public trust in the police force is maintained.