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Virginia felon, career criminal to spend 13 years in prison for firearms charge

Crystal Graham
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A career criminal and convicted felon from Farmville, who was found asleep at the wheel at an intersection in Richmond with a firearm and cocaine, was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison on Wednesday.

Pierre Redd, 32, has multiple convictions for attempted malicious wounding, reckless handling of a firearm, receiving a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm by a felon, assault, forgery of public records and possession of heroin, according to a search of Virginia court records.

As a previously convicted felon, he cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition. Redd was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak to 13 years and four months in prison.

According to court documents, on Oct. 31, 2023, an officer with the Richmond Police Department encountered Redd asleep in the driver seat of a vehicle stopped at an intersection in Richmond. The car was in drive at the time.

The officer observed in plain view a loaded handgun between Redd’s legs. Redd also possessed a bag containing 15.3 grams of cocaine.

The officer opened the driver side door, removed the firearm and cocaine and awakened Redd.

The officer directed Redd to exit the vehicle. After Redd repeatedly declined to comply, the officer placed a handcuff on Redd’s left wrist. Redd then placed the car in drive and sped away.

The officer returned to his police vehicle and pursued Redd. As Redd attempted to flee, he ran numerous stop signs and drove on the wrong side of the street. Redd eventually pulled into an apartment complex, where he exited his vehicle. The officer eventually subdued and arrested Redd after a foot pursuit.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick J. McGorman and Stephen W. Miller prosecuted the case.

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.