RICHMOND, VA – Shalik Mitchell, 30, of Richmond City, is facing a substantial prison sentence after pleading guilty yesterday to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The case stems from a reckless car chase last November, highlighting a pattern of violent behavior and disregard for the law.
On November 17, 2022, Richmond Police officers spotted Mitchell speeding and weaving through traffic on Hull Street, nearly causing accidents. The driver, later identified as Mitchell, accelerated to almost 80 mph while failing to signal, pushing the vehicle to the brink of losing control. Officers pursued, observing suspicious movements from the passenger seat as the vehicle finally came to a halt.
A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Stoeger STR-9, 9mm, semi-automatic pistol crammed between the driver’s seat and the center console, within Mitchell’s reach. This wasn’t Mitchell’s first run-in with the law – and certainly not his first firearm charge. He was already on supervised release for a 2019 conviction for – you guessed it – being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The history goes deeper. Back in 2015, Richmond Circuit Court convicted Mitchell of malicious wounding, *also* involving the use of a firearm. This repeat offender clearly has a penchant for violence and a blatant disregard for the safety of others. The ATF, working with Richmond Police, built the case that led to this guilty plea.
Mitchell is scheduled for sentencing on December 21. He’s looking at a maximum penalty of fifteen years behind bars. While sentencing guidelines and other factors will be considered, federal prosecutors are likely to push for a significant term given his extensive criminal history and the dangerous nature of his actions. U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber, ATF Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai, and Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards jointly announced the guilty plea.
The prosecution, led by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Schulz and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Anthony, is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. This case serves as a stark reminder that those who repeatedly endanger the community with illegal firearms will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The question remains: will fifteen years be enough to keep Mitchell, a known violent recidivist, off the streets?
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