JACKSON, TN – A night of reckless violence landed Tommarion Latrez Williams, 28, a decade behind federal bars. Williams was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison after firing a stolen handgun at a Bolivar Police officer in February 2020, U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz announced Wednesday.
The incident unfolded on E. Margin St. when officers responded to a reported disturbance. While one officer approached the front of the residence, another circled around back, overhearing a heated argument inside. As the officer moved to rejoin his partner, Williams emerged from the back door, a Taurus Model PT-111 Millenium Pro 9mm pistol already leveled at him. Faced with an immediate threat, the officer deployed his Taser, but Williams fired his weapon – narrowly missing the officer.
A chaotic scene ensued, but officers quickly subdued Williams and recovered the firearm, finding it discarded near a tree in the backyard. Investigators later determined the gun had been stolen during an automobile burglary in Bolivar back in August 2016. But the stolen weapon was only part of the problem. Williams’ extensive criminal history quickly surfaced, revealing prior convictions for aggravated burglary in both Madison and Hardeman Counties, Tennessee, in 2013 and 2017 respectively.
These prior felonies automatically disqualified Williams from legally possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. ATF agents confirmed the pistol originated from outside of Tennessee, adding another layer to the illegal chain of events. On April 7, 2022, Williams entered a guilty plea to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. That plea resulted in the maximum sentence allowed by law, handed down by U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen on October 19, 2022 – 120 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“This case highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement every day and the serious consequences for those who illegally possess firearms and use them against officers,” a source close to the investigation stated. The Bolivar Police Department, the FBI, and the ATF jointly investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuting. The investigation underscores the ongoing federal commitment to removing dangerous criminals and illegal weapons from Tennessee streets.
Williams will serve his time in a federal facility, a grim reminder that actions have consequences. The recovery of the stolen weapon also points to a larger issue of gun trafficking plaguing the region. While Williams is now off the streets, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to stem the flow of illegal firearms and bring those responsible to justice.
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
