Raymond L. Pierce, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Missouri 2020

Kansas City, Missouri – A Kansas City man pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing a firearm after leading police officers on a high-speed chase.

Raymond L. Pierce, 22, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

By pleading guilty today, Pierce admitted that he illegally possessed a loaded Glock 9mm handgun on Dec. 28, 2019. Pierce also admitted that he was in possession of a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun and a Glock 9mm extended magazine on July 9, 2020.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Pierce has a prior felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance.

On Dec. 28, 2019, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy was working uniformed, but off-duty, patrolling the area around nightclubs that were letting out on Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City, Mo., at 2:36 a.m. As he was trying to move people out of the street, the deputy saw in his rear-view mirror a green Ford Mustang approaching him without its headlights on at a high rate of speed. The Mustang quickly changed lanes to avoid the deputy’s car and individuals in the street moved back to ensure not being hit. The deputy attempted to pull the Mustang over, but the Mustang fled and the deputy discontinued the chase.

At 3:05 a.m., a different Jackson County sheriff’s deputy was traveling eastbound on 1-670 just east of the Broadway overpass in Kansas City, Mo., and saw a green Ford Mustang crash into the center mediate concrete barrier and guard rail. The deputy stopped to render aid. As he approached the green Mustang, he saw Pierce, who was on probation, standing outside the driver’s door. As the deputy approached him, Pierce climbed back inside the vehicle, reached across the center console, and placed his hand down near the passenger side floorboard. The deputy directed Pierce to exit the vehicle and show his hands, and Pierce refused. Once back-up arrived, officers were able to get Pierce out of the vehicle. Pierce said his leg and mouth hurt, and officers ordered EMS. The car was inventoried prior to being towed and officers found the loaded Glock 9mm handgun under the front passenger seat. The serial number on the barrel of the Glock was filed off and the serial number plate had been removed.

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