CASSOPOLIS — An Elkhart man, who brought drugs and a firearm into Cass County, was sentenced to a two-year prison term Friday in Cass County Circuit Court.
Tobias Johnson, 24, had a laundry list of convictions he faced at his sentencing, including carrying a concealed weapon, fleeing a police officer, possession of methadone, resisting and obstructing an officer, possession of analogues, domestic violence, felony firearm possession and possession of marijuana.
But a plea bargain allowed Johnson to only face punishment for the state-mandated two-year felony firearm conviction.
All of the offenses took place July 5 when Edwardsburg police officers responded to a complaint of Johnson and a woman arguing in the street at the corner of Redfield Road and Sunrise Drive in Edwardsburg.
Johnson got in his car and sped away, leading police on a chase at speeds more than 100 miles per hour. Later Johnson got out of the car and fled on foot. Eventually officers apprehended him but not without one of them getting injured in the tussle.
Later the drugs and gun, which Johnson’s brother hid, were found.
Defense attorney Gregory Feldman said Johnson wants to improve himself when he is free.
“From day one, he has been concerned about his family, especially his son,” Feldman said. “He realizes if he continues this pattern, his son will grow up without him. Hopefully that will serve as motivation.”
For his part, Johnson apologized.
“I am highly remorseful, especially to my family. I let them down,” he said.
Johnson’s brother, Caleb Johnson, was sentenced earlier this month to two years of probation for attempting to hide the loaded handgun and drugs.