Crime & Safety
Suspect In Police Shooting Charged In Akron
A man that allegedly shot at three police officers and attempted two carjackings has been arrested and indicted.
AKRON, OH — A 34-year-old has been charged in federal court for shooting at three police officers and attempting to carjack someone, the Department of Justice announced this week. Michael Johnson is also being charged for possession of methamphetamine.
“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," Akron Police Chief Ken Ball said. "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 allegedly fired a .38 caliber revolver at police officers on Jan. 2. He also fired a gun while engaging in drug trafficking activity, the indictment against him said. When he was arrested, he had at least 50 grams of methamphetamine on his person.
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On Jan. 2, Johnson also used his .38 caliber while attempting to carjack a 2009 Kia Sportage, the Department of Justice said. He also attempted to carjack a 2002 Toyota Camry, the indictment against him says.
Prosecutors want Johnson to forfeit his firearm, as well as $8,672 in cash that officers seized as part of the investigation.
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Johnson has been officially 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.”
The investigation into Johnson was led by Akron Police, the U.S. Marshals and the DEA.
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