Felony Fugitive Punched Cop During Traffic Stop, Now Faces 15 Years for Gun Charge

In a shocking display of brazen disregard for the law, Cleveland Sanders, a 41-year-old felon from Covington, Georgia, was convicted of possessing a firearm following a violent altercation with a Clearwater police officer during a traffic stop.

According to evidence presented at trial, on January 3, 2023, Officer [withheld for safety] of the Clearwater Police Department pulled over Sanders for multiple traffic infractions near North Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Grant Street in Clearwater, Florida. During the stop, the officer noticed a large handgun in the driver’s side doorjamb.

Instead of cooperating with the officer, Sanders took a drastic turn for the worse. He got out of the vehicle and punched the officer several times in the face, dislodging the officer’s body camera. Sanders then fled the scene but was later apprehended.

The firearm was recovered from the doorjamb of the vehicle and subsequently linked to Sanders. At the time of the offense, Sanders had a prior felony conviction and had served 15 years in a Florida prison for aggravated battery with great bodily harm. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clearwater Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and David Sullivan are prosecuting the case.

Cleveland Sanders faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 27, 2024. The community can rest assured that justice will be served, and those who threaten the safety of our law enforcement officers will be held accountable.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by our law enforcement officers every day. We commend the bravery and dedication of Officer [withheld for safety] and the entire Clearwater Police Department for their tireless efforts in keeping our communities safe.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.