PITTSBURGH, PA – Clifford Wood, 30, of Pittsburgh, will spend the next 15 years behind bars after a federal judge slammed him with a lengthy prison sentence for a brazen 2016 gun violation. The sentence, handed down by United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab, includes a five-year term of supervised release following his imprisonment.
The case stems from a February 18, 2016 incident near the High Rollers Bar in Homestead, PA. A West Homestead police officer spotted Wood, already a convicted felon due to prior drug offenses, openly carrying and discharging a firearm. When ordered to drop the weapon, Wood didn’t comply. Instead, he bolted, ditching the gun during his attempted escape.
According to court documents, the officer quickly apprehended Wood and recovered the discarded firearm – a Ruger Security Six .357 revolver – at the location where Wood had thrown it. The recovery cemented the case against the repeat offender, highlighting a clear disregard for both the law and public safety.
Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song didn’t mince words, stating the sentence sends a strong message to those who illegally possess and brandish firearms. This wasn’t just about a gun; it was about a convicted felon actively choosing to escalate a situation with a dangerous weapon, putting lives at risk.
Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine A. King and Stephen S. Gilson meticulously built the government’s case, presenting the evidence that led to Wood’s conviction and subsequent sentencing. The collaborative effort between federal and local law enforcement was crucial in bringing this case to a close.
Song specifically lauded the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Homestead Police Department, and the Homestead Police Department for their dedication to the investigation. This conviction stands as a testament to their commitment to removing dangerous individuals and illegal firearms from the streets of Pittsburgh. The Grimy Times will continue to follow federal cases impacting the region.
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Related Federal Cases
- Johnstown Gun Felon Lopez Gets 7½ Years · Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh Felon Charles Howard III Faces Federal Gun & Drug Charges · Pennsylvania
- Felon Norman Warren Pleads Guilty to Gun Law Violation · Pennsylvania
- Erie Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gun Possession · Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh Counterfeiter Jones Gets a Year · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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