Demetrius Wilson, Firearms Offense, Pennsylvania 2021

A reckless car chase through Philadelphia ended with a dramatic crash and a convicted felon behind bars. Demetrius Wilson, 30, of Philadelphia, was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in prison for a firearms offense.

The crime occurred on January 10, 2020, when Philadelphia police attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle being operated by Wilson for a routine traffic violation in the Fairmount-Brewerytown section of Philadelphia. However, Wilson sped away in his vehicle, leading to a high-speed chase through the city.

Despite crashing into a telephone pole, Wilson continued to flee on foot before colliding with a Philadelphia police officer. The gun in his possession, a loaded 9mm handgun, flew from his hand.

The defendant pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in September 2021. The reckless attempt to escape presented a serious threat to the safety of the community.

“The defendant’s actions, both the illegal possession of a firearm and his potentially deadly exploits on the road, presented a serious threat to the safety of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams. “This sentence of years in prison should serve as an example to others who have previously been convicted of felony offenses and are considering carrying firearms that we will use every law enforcement tool at our disposal to find and stop you.”

Demetrius Wilson was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Paul S. Diamond and will serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Martin.

Defendant: Demetrius Wilson

Criminal Charges: Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

City and State: Philadelphia, PA

Exact Date: January 10, 2020 (crime date)

Sentence or Outcome: 3 years and 10 months in prison, three years of supervised release

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