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Malik Rashun Hughes, a 27-year-old felon from Newport News, has been sentenced to four years in prison for possessing a stolen handgun and crashing into Naval Station Norfolk. On December 16, 2024, Hughes was stopped by Newport News Police and found with a loaded handgun, which he was prohibited from possessing due to his prior felony conviction. In a separate incident on July 19, 2025, Hughes stole a vehicle in Virginia Beach, crashed it near the naval base, and then illegally entered the installation, ignoring a sentry’s directions.
Hughes attempted to flee the scene on foot but was apprehended by police, who found him with an airsoft gun and a half-empty bottle of tequila. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division investigated the case, with assistance from the Newport News Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mack Coleman prosecuted the case, which is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to combat violent crime and protect communities.
The sentencing of Hughes reflects the seriousness with which law enforcement and the courts treat firearm possession by felons and other violent crimes. Hughes’s actions not only put himself at risk but also endangered others, including the personnel at Naval Station Norfolk. The case highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the need for swift and severe punishment for those who engage in violent and reckless behavior.
The investigation and prosecution of Hughes demonstrate the commitment of the Department of Justice to reducing violent crime and promoting public safety. The case also serves as a reminder of the consequences of illegal firearm possession and the importance of respecting the laws and regulations that govern our society.
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