A Philadelphia man has been charged with a federal firearms offense after an incident during the 2020 civil unrest.
Mashaq White, 23, of Philadelphia, was arrested and charged by Indictment with being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
The incident occurred on June 1, 2020, when Philadelphia Police Officers responded to a burglary in progress at a pharmacy on the 5600 block of Chestnut Street in West Philadelphia.
According to court documents, the officers found it ransacked and the sprinkler system activated. Suddenly, White allegedly came running down an aisle of the store, toward one of the officers, while carrying a loaded 9mm Ruger handgun.
The officer restrained White and he was arrested. The incident was captured on the officer’s body camera.
“Our office is committed to prosecuting anybody who took advantage of the civil unrest and protests of last summer to try to commit violent acts or otherwise violate federal law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams.
“In this case, a previously convicted felon is charged with allegedly possessing a loaded firearm, which presents a clear danger to our community that is struggling under a surge of violent gun crime.”
White faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment if convicted.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James R. Pavlock.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News