BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — A Mandan man will be serving over 16 years in federal prison after pleading guilty Friday to various firearm and drug charges from 2022-2023.

On November 1, 2022, a Burleigh County Deputy conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 52nd Street Southeast and Fettig Drive in Bismarck. The driver was identified as Kyle William Johnson (now aged 35) from Mandan.

Johnson was placed under arrest for having a suspended driver’s license and an outstanding arrest warrant. After a Bismarck Police Department K9 gave a positive indication on the vehicle, it was searched and law enforcement officers located methamphetamine and a handgun. The firearm was located under the driver’s seat of the vehicle and was loaded with a round of ammunition in the chamber and a 13 round magazine.

Johnson was charged with various offenses in Burleigh County District Court and was released on bond. He subsequently failed to appear for a hearing and an arrest warrant was issued.

On April 22, 2023, Johnson was identified driving a vehicle eastbound on I-94 just east of Bismarck. When law enforcement attempted to stop Johnson to arrest him on outstanding warrants, he fled, starting on the interstate at speeds over 120 mph and eventually into Bismarck.

While within Bismarck city limits, Johnson fired multiple rounds from his vehicle. Law enforcement disabled Johnson’s vehicle with spike strips on South Washington Street near the Bismarck Expressway intersection. After Johnson was arrested, officers found methamphetamine and a handgun in the vehicle.

Johnson was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to multiple felony convictions from 2012 – 2023.

In court today, Johnson pled guilty to:

• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (x2)
• Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine)
• Possession and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.

Johnson was sentenced to serve 16 years and 8 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

“This is a fitting sentence for someone who violently put the lives of law enforcement officers and Bismarck residents at risk,” said United States Attorney Mac Schneider. “Violent felons like Mr. Johnson, who use illegally possessed firearms to threaten public safety, can count on becoming defendants in federal court in the District of North Dakota.”

“Kyle Johnson, through his actions displayed a deliberate and violent disregard for the law,” said Sheriff Kelly Leben, Burleigh County Sheriff’s Office.

Bismarck Police Chief Dave Draovitch said, “Kyle Johnson is being held accountable for aimlessly shooting out of a moving vehicle, which could have had significant consequences to innocent bystanders in the city that my department protects and serves.”

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