Man sentenced to 20 years in prison for shooting DPS trooper in 2023

PHOENIX — A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the 2023 shooting of a DPS trooper.

On May 25, 2023, Howard Johnson was considered a suspect in a hit-and-run accident near 7 p.m.^th Avenue and Loop 101 in Phoenix. The car he was driving at the time was stolen.

When a DPS trooper attempted to stop Johnson during a traffic stop, he pulled away and shot the trooper. The soldier returned fire and both were hit several times.

Johnson fled the scene and went to several homes to hide with the help of at least two people.

Johnson ended up at an apartment complex near 67th and Olive avenues in Glendale and barricaded himself in one of the units. The police were finally able to take him into custody.

The Maricopa County Prosecutor's Office said Johnson had been convicted of several felonies and was classified as a prohibited possessor at the time of his arrest.

“He is a dangerous criminal who should not have had a weapon on him, and yet he did,” said County Prosecutor Rachel Mitchell. “Through this policy, we assure the public that people who illegally possess a weapon and pose a threat to our community will face serious consequences.”

DPS says the trooper is back on duty on light duty.