Akron man sentenced to nearly 30 years after firing on three officers, attempting two carjackings

An Akron man was sentenced to 355 months in federal prison for shooting at three law enforcement officers as well as attempting to carjack two people and possessing methamphetamine.

Michael P. Johnson, 34, was convicted of one count of assault on law enforcement officers with a deadly weapon, one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of attempted carjacking and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

On September 24, 2017, Johnson possessed with the intent to distribute approximately 362 grams of methamphetamine.  On January 2, 2018, while working with federal law enforcement agents, Akron police officers attempted to arrest Johnson on the methamphetamine trafficking charges.  During a traffic stop, Johnson got out of a vehicle and fired a Smith and Wesson .38-caliber revolver at the officers.  After shooting at the officers, Johnson fled and used the revolver to attempt to carjack the drivers of two vehicles at an Akron gas station.  Officers caught Johnson and found that he possessed approximately 136 grams of methamphetamine.

Johnson was also ordered to forfeit $4,767.   

“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. “Nearly 30 years in prison is an appropriate and just result that should also deter others who so callously disregard the lives of law enforcement offices and innocent community members.”

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 [was] made to answer for his behavior ….” 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry F. DeBaggis and Aaron Howell following an investigation by the Akron Police Department, the U.S. Marshals and the Drug Enforcement Administration.