Darrion K. Finley, Attempting to Kill a Law Enforcement Officer, Florida 2024

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – In a shocking turn of events, Darrion K. Finley, 21, of Pensacola, Florida, has pleaded guilty to federal charges for attempting to kill an Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy. This heinous crime took place on December 17, 2024, and has left the community shaken.

According to court documents, the defendant was driving in Pensacola in a stolen vehicle when the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Finley accelerated and led law enforcement on a vehicle pursuit, eventually being stopped when a Deputy Sheriff conducted a precision immobilization technique on the stolen vehicle.

As Finley and his vehicle were being stopped, he fired a 9-millimeter round into the Deputy’s vehicle. The defendant then attempted to escape on foot, still armed with his Glock 9-millimeter pistol and loaded extended magazine. However, the Deputy’s K9 partner intervened, subduing Finley to the ground.

Despite still being armed, Finley attempted to flee, but was shot by the Deputy. Miraculously, he survived his wounds and was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury for his crimes.

Finley faces up to life imprisonment and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime.

Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton are prosecuting the case, which is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.