Man sentenced in 2002 NYC bar hostage ordeal - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

Man sentenced in 2002 NYC bar hostage ordeal

Posted: Updated:
NEW YORK (AP) -

A man has been sentenced to 240 years in prison for terrorizing patrons at a New York City bar during a bizarre hostage ordeal more than a decade ago.

Steve Johnson cursed at the judge and railed about the economy during his sentencing Friday in the 2002 kidnapping at Bar Veloce in the East Village.

Johnson invaded the bar with three pistols, a samurai sword and a container of kerosene. He shot and wounded three people and sprayed kerosene on several customers.

A jury convicted Johnson last month of charges including attempted murder. Authorities say Johnson, who is black, targeted white patrons.

It was the 45-year-old's third trial. The first trial deadlocked in 2004. The second resulted in a conviction and a 240-year prison sentence but was overturned on appeal.

  • Manhattan NewsManhattan News

  • Sunday, May 19 2013 12:12 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:12:03 GMT
    Police arrested a man they say shot and killed a gay man after shouting homophobic slurs at him in Greenwich Village early Saturday morning.
    Police arrested a man they say shot and killed a gay man after shouting homophobic slurs at him in Greenwich Village early Saturday morning.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:42:48 GMT
    Fox 5 takes a look at the preparations for the Super Bowl XLVIII. This is the road to glory.
    Fox 5 takes a look at the preparations for the Super Bowl XLVIII. This is the road to glory.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 9:47 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:47:46 GMT
    Residents of Zeckendorf Towers, a condominium in Union Square, overwhelmingly voted for a residential smoking ban.
    Residents of Zeckendorf Towers, a condominium in Union Square, overwhelmingly voted for a residential smoking ban.
Powered by WorldNow

KTTV FOX 11
1999 S. Bundy Dr.
Los Angeles CA 90025

Main: (310) 584-2000
News Tips? (310) 584-2025

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices