Johnathon Howard, of Bellevue, was sentenced September 24 after being convicted in a March police chase. He received nearly 30 years in prison for attempted murder and related charges. The case stems from a pursuit that crossed three Ohio counties.
Howard was given a sentence of 25 to 29 and a half years. A jury found him guilty on two counts of attempted murder, failure to comply and weapons possession.
The incident began in the 1000 block of Monroe Street in Bellevue around 4 p.m. on March 15. Bellevue officers tried to pull Howard over.
Howard took off, police said. The chase moved through Bellevue, then into Huron County, then into Sandusky County.
It ended in the 13000 block of CR-32 in Seneca County. Investigators said Howard got out of his car.
He fired multiple rounds at officers with a handgun, according to investigators. Officers fired back and struck Howard.
Police said he then dropped the gun. He pulled out a knife while continuing to confront officers.
Officers used a taser on Howard. They then gave him first aid until a medical helicopter arrived.
The helicopter took Howard to a hospital. He was later convicted and sentenced in the case.
Bellevue is a city in Sandusky County in northern Ohio, near the shore of Lake Erie.
