A Smithfield man was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised probation after appearing before Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard in a federal courtroom in Greenville on Wednesday.
Dontrell Khali McDonald, 24, was named in a federal indictment filed on January 5, 2016 charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm. On March 7, 2016, McDonald pled guilty to that charge.
On October 31, 2015, Smithfield Police responded to a report of an individual walking the streets waving two firearms. When officers approached the area, McDonald began running through a housing complex in an attempt to elude arrest. The chase ensued, and McDonald ran into a crowded flea market.
A bystander, who had observed the chase, tripped the suspect who fell to the ground. As McDonald hit the pavement, a firearm flew from his waistband. Officers also seized another firearm from the suspect
Both firearms were later determined to be stolen. Both were also loaded.
The investigation was conducted by the Smithfield Police Department, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette represented the government.
