ST. LOUIS, MO – A security guard at a St. Louis market found himself on the wrong side of the law this week, facing federal charges connected to a brazen shootout and the illegal possession of firearms. Dwayne A. Kimmins, 49, appeared in federal court Tuesday to answer to accusations that he repeatedly violated federal gun laws, adding another layer of trouble to an already volatile situation.
According to court documents, Kimmins was indicted November 16 on two felony counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges Kimmins was unlawfully carrying a firearm on October 3rd, and again just five days later. The charges stem from an incident at the Salamas market and gas station on North 13th Street, where Kimmins was employed as a security guard.
Federal prosecutors detail in a motion for Kimmins’ detention that on October 3rd, Kimmins confronted an individual suspected of stealing beer. While attempting to pat down the suspect, an altercation erupted. The suspect allegedly opened fire on Kimmins, who took cover behind a gas pump and returned fire. Kimmins later admitted to firing a shotgun into the air, attempting to scare off the suspect. This initial incident triggered the federal investigation.
The trouble didn’t end there. Just five days after the shooting, officers returned to the Salamas market to investigate further. During that follow-up, they discovered Kimmins in possession of another firearm. And the story took another turn Tuesday, when authorities arrested Kimmins and allegedly found a third firearm and loose ammunition in his possession.
Kimmins entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during Tuesday’s hearing. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years behind bars. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, led by Sayler A. Fleming, is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kourtney Bell is handling the prosecution.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, spearheaded the investigation. It’s a stark reminder that even those tasked with upholding the law can find themselves facing serious federal penalties. As with all criminal cases, Kimmins is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Department of Justice emphasizes that an indictment contains accusations, not proof of guilt.
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