A Richmond Police officer, who ran a red light in South Side while racing to respond to a burglary-in-progress call, is now facing the prospect of prison time for killing two teens when he collided with their car.

A special grand jury Monday indicted Officer Richard D. Johnson on two counts of involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of Jeremiah Ruffin and girlfriend Tracey Williams in the April 7 accident at Bells and Castlewood roads.

Officer Johnson also was indicted on misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and failing to yield the right of way, according to Commonwealth’s At- torney Colette W. McEachin, who disclosed the indictments Tuesday.

Mr. Ruffin, 18, and Ms. Williams, 19, were ejected from their Buick and suffered fatal injuries after Officer Johnson struck their vehicle as Mr. Ruffin drove forward after the light turned green for him. Ms. Williams died at the scene, and Mr. Ruffin succumbed

nearly two weeks later to his injuries at a local hospital. Officer Johnson and another officer who was riding with him also were injured in the crash.

“The circumstances surrounding this accident are unfortunate, and our hearts go out to all those involved in this tragic accident,” the Richmond Police Department stated in response to the indictments being made public. “We continue to pray for the families and their healing.

The key issue has always revolved around whether Officer Johnson had his lights flashing and his siren sounding as he entered the intersection, a long-standing requirement that allows police cars, ambulances, fire trucks and other such vehicles to disregard traffic rules in responding to an emergency.

While the department has remained mum about the evidence that was uncovered, family members have said the video they have seen indicates Officer Johnson had his lights flashing on, but had not activated his siren in speeding toward 1500 Clarkson Road where the burglary had been reported.

State law allows emergency responders to go through a red light, but only with “due regard for the safety of persons and property” and authorizes criminal prosecution where the evidence indicates the operator of the emergency vehicle drove with “reckless disregard of the safety of persons and property.”

Officer Johnson has been placed on unpaid leave and is to be arraigned at a future date. In a statement, the department indicated that his future as an officer will be decided after the “criminal process is concluded.”