Source: United States Attorneys General
Headline: Akron man indicted after firing on three officers, attempting two carjackings
An Akron man was indicted in federal court on charges related to shooting at three law enforcement officers as well as attempting to carjack someone and possessing methamphetamine, law enforcement officials said.
Michael P. Johnson, 34, was charged with one count of assault on law enforcement officers with a deadly weapon, two counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of attempted carjacking and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
“This defendant put dozens of people at risk – the officers he fired upon, the innocent people he tried to carjack and the Akron residents simply passing by,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “This defendant’s violent actions must be answered for, and we are pleased that he is being brought to justice.”
Akron Police Chief Ken Ball said: “This incident is an example of the grave danger that the men and women of the Akron Police Department face every day in service to their community. We are pleased that the defendant will soon be made to answer for his behavior and will face a mandatory minimum of 65 years in prison for actions that could have cost innocent bystanders, and officers, their lives.”
Johnson fired a Smith and Wesson .38-caliber revolver at law enforcement officers engaged in the performance of their official duties on Jan. 2. He also fired a firearm in relation to his drug trafficking activity and possessed at least 50 grams of methamphetamine, according to the indictment.
On the same date, Johnson brandished the .38-caliber revolver while attempting to carjack a 2009 Kia Sportage. He also attempted to carjack a 2002 Toyota Camry, according to the indictment.
Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit the firearm as well as approximately $8,672 in cash seized as part of the investigation.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Howell and Henry F. DeBaggis following an investigation by the Akron Police Department, the U.S. Marshals and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
An information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.