VALDOSTA, GA – Kendrick Terrell Pryor, 41, is facing over 13 years in federal prison after a reckless high-speed chase through residential streets of Valdosta, Georgia, exposed him as an illegally armed convicted felon. Pryor was sentenced to 165 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on February 1, by Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Sands.
The July 3, 2022 incident began with a routine traffic stop attempt by Lowndes County Sheriff’s deputies who suspected Pryor was driving under the influence. Instead of complying, Pryor floored it, leading authorities on a dangerous pursuit reaching speeds of 120 miles per hour. He blew through stop signs and red lights, endangering the lives of anyone in his path before officers were forced to disable his vehicle using a PIT maneuver.
A search of Pryor’s car revealed a disturbing arsenal: a .22 caliber firearm on the driver’s side, a 9mm handgun on the passenger side, and a 50-round drum magazine for a 9mm. But the contraband didn’t stop there. Officers also found a quantity of methamphetamine, oxycodone pills, and cocaine, adding drug charges to Pryor’s mounting legal woes. The discovery was particularly damning given Pryor’s extensive criminal history.
Court records show Pryor has racked up at least six prior felony convictions in Lowndes County Superior Court, including multiple drug possession and distribution charges, as well as a theft conviction. As a convicted felon, Pryor was legally prohibited from possessing any firearms. U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary stated, “Felons who consistently demonstrate a total disregard for the law and are found in possession of deadly weapons will find their cases getting federal attention.”
The case was prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program aimed at reducing violent crime by focusing on repeat offenders. ATF Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka emphasized, “This sentencing ensures that Kendrick Pryor is held accountable for his crime and is removed from the community for a long time, where he will not be able to harm others.” Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk added her gratitude for the collaboration between local and federal agencies in removing a dangerous individual from the streets.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Daniels handled the prosecution. The investigation was a joint effort between the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Pryor is not eligible for parole, ensuring a lengthy period of incapacitation for a repeat offender who clearly demonstrated a disregard for both the law and public safety.
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