Montrez Ballard, Machine Gun Discharge at Officer, Georgia 2023

A brazen and potentially lethal attack on a Georgia State Patrol trooper has landed Montrez Ballard a 10-year prison sentence. On July 21, 2023, Ballard, 21, of Hampton, Ga., fired at least three shots at a Georgia State Patrol officer after attempting to evade a traffic stop in Atlanta.

According to Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Moultrie, Jr., Ballard’s actions put the officer’s life in danger. ‘This lengthy prison sentence reflects Ballard’s dangerous, and potentially lethal, attack on a Georgia State Patrol trooper whose very mission is to help keep our community safe.’

The incident occurred when Ballard cut off a Georgia State Patrol trooper in Atlanta and fled the scene. After a high-speed chase, Ballard’s vehicle crashed into a stop sign, and he fled on foot. When the trooper pursued him, Ballard confronted the officer and fired at least three shots. The trooper returned fire, but Ballard escaped.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Atlanta Police Department and Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, were able to locate Ballard and arrest him. His firearm, a Glock 19 9mm handgun, was found to be equipped with a device that converted the weapon into a machine gun, allowing it to fire continuously without multiple trigger pulls.

Ballard was on probation for a state robbery offense at the time of the incident. U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee sentenced Ballard to 10 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Atlanta Police Department and Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Dwayne A. Brown, Jr. prosecuted the case, which is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence.

Montrez Ballard, convicted of firing a machine gun at a law enforcement officer, must serve 10 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. The incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.