Tarik Muhammad, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, Massachusetts 2023

BOSTON, MA – A brazen attempt to pack heat into a Boston casino has landed 29-year-old Tarik Muhammad in deep trouble with the feds. Muhammad, already a convicted felon, has been indicted on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, following a February incident and subsequent police chase.

The trouble started February 4th when Encore Casino security in Everett flagged Muhammad as he tried to enter the premises, allegedly carrying a loaded firearm. Before law enforcement could respond, Muhammad bolted, peeling away in a blue Toyota Rav 4. Security shared images of Muhammad, the vehicle, and the license plate, kicking off a manhunt.

Two days later, on February 6th, Boston PD spotted the Rav 4 in Roxbury. A traffic stop attempt quickly devolved into a high-speed chase, ending only when Muhammad slammed into a parked, occupied vehicle. He then tried to ditch the scene on foot, but officers quickly apprehended him. A search revealed a loaded semi-automatic pistol tucked into his waistband.

This wasn’t Muhammad’s first brush with the law. He’s already a convicted felon, having been sentenced in June 2022 in U.S. District Court in Boston for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. Adding insult to injury, he was on federal supervised release at the time of this latest alleged offense. It appears a prior conviction wasn’t enough to keep this individual from allegedly returning to criminal behavior.

If convicted, Muhammad faces up to 15 years behind bars, three years of supervised release, and a hefty $250,000 fine. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Tolkoff of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit. The investigation was a joint effort between the ATF’s Boston Field Division, the Boston Police Department, and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

Federal officials tout this case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy, ATF Special Agent in Charge James M. Ferguson, and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox all issued statements emphasizing the commitment to public safety. However, the question remains: will this be enough to deter others from making the same reckless choices? Remember, the details contained in the charging document are allegations, and Muhammad is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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