An Indianapolis man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for being an armed career criminal, despite having three prior felonies on his record.
John Foster, 48, was found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm after a high-speed chase on the Southside of Indianapolis in 2015. Foster was driving a stolen SUV when he was confronted by officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD). He fled through a front yard and eventually stopped in the parking lot of Perry Meridian Middle School, where he was holding a pistol in his hand.
The school was placed on lockdown during the incident, which took place during school hours. Foster has three prior convictions, including dealing cocaine in 2006, burglary in 1988, and robbery in 1986, all in Marion County.
The Armed Career Criminal Act mandates a minimum 15-year sentence for anyone possessing a firearm after three prior convictions for serious drug offenses or violent felonies. Foster was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker in federal court.
U.S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler praised the work of the IMPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which investigated the case. “Keeping our communities safe from violent criminals like Mr. Foster remains a top priority at the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” Minkler said.
Foster will also serve three years of supervised release following his sentence. The case highlights the dangers of armed career criminals and the importance of keeping firearms out of their hands.
Trevor Velinor, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division, emphasized the need to keep firearms violence off the streets. “The defendant’s disregard for the safety of our community by unlawfully possessing a firearm, posed a threat and underlines the necessity of his spending significant time removed from society,” Velinor said.
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- Jensen Gayden Sentenced for Indianapolis Pharmacy Heists · Washington
- Andre Jermaine Maxey Sentenced in Spree of Armed Robberies · Indiana
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Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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