Accused I-35 rock thrower: 'I apologize to all the victims'
AUSTIN, Texas — Accused I-35 rock thrower Patrick Johnson called CBS Austin and confessed to throwing hundreds of rocks off of the interstate.
In a phone conversation from jail, Johnson said he regrets what he did. He claims poor health led to poor decision making.
Early on in the 30-minute conversation, Johnson described himself as a "pillar of the community" and said he had a good friendship with law enforcement.
Johnson was arrested in June 2016 and charged with attempted aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after police say he was responsible for the majority of the rock throwing incidents over two years.
"I had an eye for everything," said Johnson. "When I saw it, I reported it."
Johnson said he tried to be the eyes and ears for APD when officers weren't around. He said he called police to report thousands of drunk drivers. But when he says APD failed to catch drunk drivers, he took matters into his own hands.
"I could tell by their driving behavior, they were intoxicated," said Johnson. "You could always tell who was drunk. In the left lane, driving with bright lights on, swerving. You lob a rock over it, 'Bam!' Scare the
Johnson even boasted that he got 'good at it.'"
"Just like Jeff Ward kicking field goals," said Johnson. "He missed a few before he started making them."
Johnson says he had help. He claims gangs and victims of drunk driving crashes were also involved.
Austin police say they caught on to Johnson after he began showing up at many of the rock throwing accidents -- acting as a good Samaritan.
Despite Johnson originally denying all allegations, he's now taking full responsibility.
"I apologize to all the victims," said Johnson.
One of those victims suffered permanent brain injury. Johnson says he was only driving in that case and called 911 to help the driver.
Other innocent victims were also seriously hurt.
"What would you like to say to the victims of those rock throwing incidents?" Navoy asked.
"Anyone who's a victim of the rock throwing, I grieve for you and every night you're in my prayers," said Johnson.
Johnson was already convicted and sentenced to 99 years in prison for child sex assault. During the trial he took the stand in his own defense. He also addressed that conviction in his jail call with CBS Austin.
Click here, to listen to Johnson's telephone confession to CBS Austin.
