PORT ORCHARD — The Silverdale man who crashed into and killed State Park Ranger Ed Johanson in February pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide Oct. 3 in Kitsap County Superior Court.

Charles K. Sherman, 35, was driving eastbound on Holly Road Feb. 24 around 8 p.m. when the crash occurred. Johanson was off-duty and driving westbound to Seabeck, and was about three miles from his home when the crash occurred. Sherman’s car allegedly crossed the centerline and hit Johanson’s car. Johanson died at the scene; Sherman was taken to Harrison Medical Center with facial injuries.

According to the report, the Kitsap County Sheriff’s deputy on the scene suspected Sherman of being under the influence and requested a blood draw at the hospital. Sherman tested positive for marijuana and methamphetamine.

Sherman will serve 41 months, with 18 months probation, in the Washington State Department of Corrections. He will pay $2,235 in courts fees and restitution.

Johanson, 44, was a ranger for about 20 years, serving at Kitsap Memorial State Park northwest of Poulsbo until his recent assignment to Kanaskat-Palmer State Park in the Green River Gorge area. According to friends and colleagues, Johanson was known for his enthusiasm and passion for the job. About 250 people, including Gov. Chris Gregoire, County Commissioner Rob Gelder, Poulsbo Mayor Becky Erickson, State Parks Director Don Hoch and many law enforcement officers attended Johanson’s memorial service March 2 at Gateway Fellowship in Poulsbo.

A longtime resident of the Central Kitsap area, he is survived by his parents, Keith and Edna; fiance Leigh Kessell; sons Brandon and Nicholas; former wife Deanna Evans; brother Ray; six nieces and four nephews; uncles, Richard Anderson (Anita), Dennis Johanson (Shirley), Ron Johanson; aunt Barbara Wilson (Mike); and several cousins, friends and acquaintances.

Sherman’s attorney, Steven Lewis, had no comment about the case or verdict.