TULSA, Okla. — A federal court judge sentenced an Owasso man to 19 years in prison after hitting and killing a man during a car chase in 2019, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
In Oct. 2019, Michael Leon Johnson lead authorities on a chase in a stolen 2004 Dodge Ram truck, according to Tulsa County Sheriff's Office.
Johnson ran a red light, striking the driver of a Nissan, Rouge, officials said. The driver of the Nissan, William Joseph Houseman, died at the scene of the crash.
Related Story: TCSO: Deputies chase ends in deadly crash
Johnson was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release, said Shores.
“Michael Leon Johnson can spend the next 19 years in federal prison reflecting on the tragic consequences of his reckless actions. Today, the defendant heard firsthand from William Houseman’s widow, Darcy, about the impact of his actions. It was an incredibly moving and powerful statement. My thoughts today are with Darcy and their children. These cases are tough, and I appreciate Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Morgan for pursuing justice for this family."
Deputies said Johnson tried leave the scene of the crash. Authorities arrested him following a foot pursuit with deputies and Tulsa police.
Officials said Johnson was booked into the Tulsa County Jail for several charges, including murder, felonious eluding, knowingly concealing stolen property, leaving the scene of an injury accidents, two counts of kidnapping and resisting arrest.
Both of Johnson’s passengers claim they were forced to remain in the truck throughout the pursuit. Both men were released after being interviewed by investigators, officials said.
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