A North Las Vegas man who pulled a stolen 9mm handgun and threatened to take someone’s last breath has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison. Vandemere Gipson, 39, admitted to possessing the stolen Smith and Wesson and pointing it at a woman during a terrifying roadside confrontation in October 2014.
Gipson, not content with simply hitching a ride, turned on the driver after she objected to being used as a personal chauffeur. On Oct. 13, 2014, while riding in a car with two women who had driven him to a Quick Check Mart and other locations, the driver snapped, telling Gipson she wasn’t a taxi service. That’s when he reached under his leg, pulled out the loaded handgun, racked the slide, and pointed it directly at her.
“Bitch, I will take your last breath! I will kill your ass!” Gipson screamed, according to court documents. The threat sent one woman fleeing from the vehicle. Gipson followed, leaving the loaded firearm behind on the seat. The driver grabbed the gun and sped off, later turning it over to authorities.
Gipson was arrested 11 days later by North Las Vegas Police on Oct. 24, 2014. He admitted to owning and possessing the stolen firearm, which had been reported taken in a prior theft. On Nov. 7, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a stolen firearm. He was originally indicted on Nov. 19, 2014.
U.S. District Chief Judge Gloria M. Navarro handed down the statutory maximum sentence, emphasizing the danger Gipson posed by wielding a stolen weapon in a volatile, public situation. Federal prosecutors noted the act wasn’t just illegal—it was a direct threat to public safety.
“The defendant threatened and pointed a stolen firearm at another person,” said U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden. “He received the statutory maximum penalty for this crime. We will continue to work with all our Las Vegas law enforcement partners to ensure community members are protected and that justice is served in all matters.” The case was investigated by the North Las Vegas Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra Michael and Phillip Smith Jr.
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