Randy Owens, Illegal Uzi Possession, Baltimore MD, 2023

BALTIMORE, MD – Randy Owens, 30, of Baltimore, is headed to federal prison for over six years after being caught with a loaded Uzi pistol – a weapon he was legally barred from possessing due to prior felony convictions. U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher handed down the 78-month sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, on Friday.

The case began on July 22, 2019, when Baltimore Police Department (BPD) detectives received a tip about a man potentially armed with a handgun in the 600 block of North Edgewood Street. Detectives spotted a man matching the description, including a distinctive striped bag, and observed him attempting to hide from their marked patrol vehicle. Owens was actively watching the officers as they surveyed the block.

When officers circled back, they found Owens standing on a porch. As an officer approached, Owens bolted, clutching the striped bag. A short foot chase ensued, ending with officers apprehending Owens. Inside the bag? An IMI Uzi 9mm semi-automatic pistol, fully loaded with 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Owens knew full well, given his criminal history, that possessing a firearm was illegal.

Federal authorities say this prosecution is part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement to curb violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN initiative in May 2021, focusing on trust-building with communities, supporting local violence prevention groups, and targeted enforcement.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division and the BPD in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Sippel, Jr. prosecuted the case. The investigation highlights the ongoing effort to remove illegal firearms from the streets of Baltimore and hold those who violate gun laws accountable.

The sentence sends a clear message: illegally possessing firearms, particularly dangerous weapons like Uzis, will not be tolerated. Those with prior felony convictions who choose to arm themselves face significant federal penalties. Details on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and community resources can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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