Andrew Buchanan, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Illinois 2022

HAMMOND, IN – Andrew Buchanan, 35, of Chicago, Illinois, is headed to federal prison for nearly a decade after a brazen attempt to outrun law enforcement and a cache of illegal weapons found in his stolen SUV. Buchanan was sentenced to 108 months – nine years – in prison followed by two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The chase unfolded in March 2022, when Buchanan, behind the wheel of a stolen SUV, blew through traffic laws on Interstate 65. When officers attempted a traffic stop, Buchanan floored it, leading police on a multi-mile pursuit before ultimately crashing the vehicle. He didn’t stop there, scrambling up an exit ramp in a desperate attempt to hide, but officers quickly apprehended him.

The search of the wrecked SUV revealed a dangerous arsenal: a loaded AR-15 assault rifle, and two loaded semi-automatic pistols. The pistols weren’t just illegally possessed; their serial numbers had been deliberately obliterated. Worse still, each pistol was rigged with an “auto sear” device, effectively converting them into fully automatic weapons – a serious escalation of the potential for violence.

Buchanan’s criminal history paints a clear picture of a repeat offender. Court documents show he has five prior felony convictions, making him legally prohibited from possessing any firearms. This wasn’t a first offense, or even a second – it was a deliberate disregard for the law and a clear threat to public safety. The case was built through the collaborative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Lake County Drug Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Toth prosecuted the case, highlighting the government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal gun trafficking. This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through coordinated law enforcement efforts and community partnerships. The program focuses on building trust, supporting local organizations, and strategically targeting enforcement.

U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson of the Northern District of Indiana announced the sentencing, signaling a firm stance against those who endanger communities with illegal firearms. The nine-year sentence sends a message: possessing illegal weapons as a convicted felon will not be tolerated, and those who do will face significant consequences.”

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Weapons

Felons Indicted in Pulaski County Gun and Narcotics Crackdown

Feb 14, 2017

Weapons

Jackie Brown, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Connecticut 2023

Apr 9, 2026

Weapons

Michael Ray Emry, Unlawful .50 Cal Machine Gun Possession, Oregon 2017

Jan 23, 2017

Weapons

Justin Overholser, Firearms Theft and Sales, Indiana 2021

Apr 9, 2026