Jury finds Kannapolis man guilty of eluding arrest with a vehicle, failure to stop for a stop sign

Published 12:42 am Saturday, November 11, 2017

SALISBURY — A Kannapolis man was convicted on traffic charges Thursday in Rowan County Criminal Superior Court.

A jury found Danari Jaeshonn Johnson guilty of felony fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, failure to stop for a stop sign, and driving left of center.

Johnson admitted his status as a habitual felon, and Judge Kevin Bridges sentenced him to a minimum of 80 months to a maximum of nine years in prison.

On Oct. 20, 2016, detectives with the Kannapolis Police Department reported a silver Dodge traveling on North Main Street. The driver was identified as Johnson, who had outstanding warrants for his arrest. Detectives tried to stop Johnson but he ignored their lights and sirens. As Johnson was traveling 80 mph in a 35-mph zone, he struck another vehicle, then fled the scene.

Several hours later, Johnson’s vehicle was found at his residence. Detectives noted damage to the vehicle consistent with the earlier vehicle crash.

Johnson has previous convictions on charges of felony breaking and entering, felony possession of a firearm by convicted felon, and felony fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, among others.

Rowan County District Attorney Brandy Cook thanked Assistant District Attorney Tim Gould and the Kannapolis Police Department for their work on the case.

Cook said her office identified Johnson as a repeat offender and his sentence was enhanced accordingly.