Frederick Forson-Peebles, Jr., 25, of Hampton, opened fire on a police officer during a violent 2014 confrontation, leading to a federal conviction and a decade behind bars. Today, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison — the maximum allowed under federal law for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The shooting unfolded on March 18, 2014, at the Liberty Estates Apartment Complex after officers responded to reports of a brawl. When a Hampton police officer approached Forson-Peebles, the suspect fled. He abruptly stopped, pulled a black semi-automatic handgun from his waistband, and fired at the officer, sending him crashing to the ground. As the officer lay exposed, Forson-Peebles fired a second round before the officer crawled to cover and returned fire.
Within minutes, a swarm of officers descended on the scene and took Forson-Peebles into custody. A loaded Glock 22 was recovered at the location. Witnesses later told investigators that during his flight, Forson-Peebles tried to force his way into multiple apartments, pounding on doors and twisting handles across at least two buildings in a desperate bid to escape.
In a prior state court case, Forson-Peebles was acquitted in November 2015 of Attempted Capital Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer in Hampton Circuit Court. Federal authorities then took over, leveraging his status as a felon to bring charges under federal gun laws, where penalties are harsher and jurisdiction broader.
On June 2, Forson-Peebles pleaded guilty to the federal charge of firearm possession by a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis handed down the 10-year sentence in Newport News today. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy E. Cross.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Michael B. Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; and Terry L. Sult, Chief of the Hampton Police Division, confirmed the sentencing. Court records, including Case No. 4:16-cr-39, are available via the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, or PACER.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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