Mandan Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime by a Convicted Felon

BISMARCK – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that on May 3, 2024, Kyle William Johnson, age 35, from Mandan, North Dakota, appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Daniel M. Traynor and was sentenced to serve 16 years and 8 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after he pled guilty to two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), and one count of Possession and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.

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. He 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 thirteen [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 (upwards of 120 mph) and eventually into Bismarck. While within Bismarck city limits, Johnson fired multiple rounds from his vehicle. Law enforcement engaged spike strips and the vehicle became disabled on South Washington Street near the Bismarck Expressway intersection. After Johnson was arrested, officers located methamphetamine and a handgun in the vehicle.

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

“This is a fitting sentence for someone who violently put the lives of law enforcement officers and Bismarck residents at risk,” Schneider said. “Our partners at the Bismarck Police Department and Burleigh County Sheriff’s Office deserve the credit for bringing this individual to justice before he hurt anyone. 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. “I commend the law enforcement officers involved for their actions in ending this violent and dangerous situation and truly appreciate the efforts of the US Attorney’s Office for holding Johnson accountable to the citizens of our county”.

Bismarck, ND 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.  We are grateful for the outcome, and this shows how you can’t outrun the collaboration of local, county, state and federal law enforcement when they work together.”

This case was investigated by the Burleigh County Sheriff’s Office, the Bismarck Police Department, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the North Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, with Assistant United States Attorney David Hagler assigned to the case.

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