Antonio Blake Spencer, Gun Offense, North Carolina 2020

A brutal altercation in a Wilmington housing complex turned violent, leaving a woman and one man injured. The incident ultimately led to a federal conviction for Antonio Blake Spencer, 32, of Wilmington, North Carolina.

According to court documents, on April 21, 2019, Spencer, who was on probation for multiple prior state offenses, including a felony drug conviction, was involved in a fight with a pregnant female in the Houston Moore housing complex. The altercation, captured on surveillance video, showed Spencer brutally assaulting the female.

Spencer’s violence continued when he was approached by another male subject, leading to a prolonged fight. During the struggle, a gun Spencer had in his waistband fell to the ground and was used to shoot Spencer multiple times. He was treated and released from the hospital two days later.

Just nine days after the shooting, law enforcement located Spencer and arrested him on April 30, 2019, on warrants for assault on a female and assault on an unborn child. Spencer was again found to be in possession of a firearm, as well as a quantity of PCP in his vehicle.

Spencer admitted to possessing the firearms during a post-arrest interview. He was subsequently charged with one count of felon in possession of a firearm. On October 17, 2020, Spencer pled guilty to the charge.

On [DATE], U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced Spencer to 99 months in prison for his crime. Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement.

The case was investigated by the North Carolina 6th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Wilmington Police Department, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Stephany prosecuted the case.

This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, which aims to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina implements the PSN Program through its Take Back North Carolina Initiative.

Defendant: Antonio Blake Spencer

Criminal Charges: Felon in possession of a firearm

City and State: Wilmington, North Carolina

Exact Date: April 30, 2019

Sentence: 99 months in prison

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