54 Defendants Charged with Federal Firearms-Related Crimes in Tucson Since October 2023

Convicted Felon Sentenced to 20 Years for Shooting at Arizona Trooper

Howard Lamar Johnson III to Serve 20 Years in Prison for Aggravated Assault

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced the sentencing of Howard Lamar Johnson III for aggravated assault, a Class Two Dangerous Felony. Johnson, who has a history of multiple felony convictions, has been sentenced to 20 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections.

The incident occurred on May 30, 2023, when Johnson fled the scene of an accident in North Phoenix. An Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper pursued and stopped Johnson. During the arrest attempt, Johnson fired several shots at the Trooper, severely injuring him. At the time, Johnson was classified as a prohibited possessor due to his prior felony convictions.

Johnson pleaded guilty to the aggravated assault charge on May 9, 2024. According to Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) policy, a prison term is mandatory when a convicted felon is found in possession of a deadly weapon.


“This is a dangerous criminal who shouldn’t have had a gun on him, yet he did,” said County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “Through this policy, we ensure the public that there are severe consequences for those who unlawfully possess a weapon and pose a threat to our community.”

Johnson’s 20-year sentence reflects the MCAO’s commitment to enforcing stringent penalties for felons who endanger public safety by carrying firearms.

For more details on this case and others, visit the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office website.