Crime & Safety

Pastor Shoots, Would-be Car Jacker 'Retreats,' Sentenced to 15 Years

A Laurel man who tried to rob and carjack a pastor was sentenced to 15 years.

A gun went off during an attempted carjacking in Laurel. But it wasn't the criminal who fired the shot. It was the pastor.  

James Holmead Johnston, 27, pleaded guilty in February to charges related to the Feb. 26 attempted carjacking. He was sentenced in Howard County Circuit Court Friday to 15 years in prison, according to the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office.

On a rainy day in August 2012, Johnston asked for a ride from a pastor from the Action Worship Center, according to charging documents. During the ride, Johnston took out a  .38 caliber revolver, demanded $300 and ordered the pastor out of his SUV.

Find out what's happening in Laurelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But Johnston was in for a surprise.

According to court documents and a statement in support of the plea, as Johnston climbed into the front seat, the pastor made a move, struggling with Johnston and grabbing the gun. Johnston was “begging” for the gun back, according to records, when the pastor took a shot – aimed at the ground. 

Find out what's happening in Laurelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Johnston “retreated,” according to documents.

At the sentencing hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Brian Furlong said the attempted carjacking and robbery was “drug-fueled.” According to court records, Johnston has convictions in Howard and Anne Arundel Counties for several crimes, including burglary, trespassing and theft.

Judge William V. Tucker sentenced Johnston to 15 years in prison for attempted, armed carjacking and five years for the use of a handgun in the commission of crime of violence. Tucker ordered the two sentences to be served concurrently. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.