Richmond man, a convicted felon, to serve nine years for firing rifle near playground

A Richmond man was sentenced today to nine years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Bobby Nathaniel Scott, 39, was on active probation at the time of his arrest.

Scott has 10 prior felony convictions including domestic assault, grand theft auto, possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, distribution of cocaine and eluding police. As a convicted felon, Scott cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

Scott faces pending charges in Prince George County for robbery, strangulation and malicious wounding.

According to court documents, on Feb. 11, 2024, Richmond Police heard two gunshots near a Fairfield Court neighborhood playground.

The officers observed two individuals fleeing and began a foot pursuit.

One of the individuals, later identified as Scott, tripped and fell near a set of trash cans and dropped a rifle on the sidewalk. The officers quickly apprehended Scott and recovered the rifle which was loaded with a 20-round magazine.