Millis, MA- Millis police are reportedly preparing to file charges against a part-time Millis officer who allegedly crafted a false story about a gunman firing into his police cruiser.

The officer, who was identified Friday by WHDH News as 24-year-old Bryan Johnson, initially reported Wednesday that as he was driving his cruiser, he saw a man in a dark-colored truck coming from the opposite direction driving toward him.

As the two vehicles came closer together, Johnson claimed that the man fired multiple shots into his police cruiser, causing Johnson to crash into a tree and before his cruiser burst into flames.

“My cruiser’s been shot at. I’m at Forest Road. It’s going to be a dark maroon pickup,” Johnson reportedly told dispatch on Wednesday at 2:17 p.m.

Following Johnson’s report, police conducted an extensive search for a suspect. Area schools were closed the following morning and residents were urged to stay inside their homes as a SWAT team, K-9 officers and a Massachusetts State Police helicopter examined the surrounding area of the incident in the search for the alleged suspect.

Further investigation at the scene of the incident and a review of Johnson’s statements led to the determination that there was actually no gunman, and Johnson made up the story about a man firing into his police cruiser. Ballistic testing revealed the bullets fired into the cruiser came from Johnson.

Johnson was hired in June as a part-time officer, and had yet to complete training in order to become a full-time police officer. He was a police dispatcher before becoming an officer. Johnson was fired Thursday.

The Millis Police Department apologized to residents for the incident:

“The major concern I heard most from our officers today, was how this incident will affect our relationship with you. I know I speak for the entire Millis Police Department when I tell you how important it is for us to maintain your trust and confidence. This incident is not a reflection of any of the Millis Police Officers. All our officers have worked extremely hard to build great reputations, and friendships in this community. We will continue to provide the highest level of service to this community.We appreciate all the support we have received the last two days. It definitely has kept us going and moving forward, especially with the outcome of today’s events.”

Charges are expected to be filed Friday. Investigation into the cruiser fire is still ongoing.