BIRMINGHAM - A Tuscaloosa man who tried to run over a Tuscaloosa police officer was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Monday, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Marcus Watson.
U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced DEVONTE JAISHUN TUCKER, 23, Tuscaloosa, to 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Tucker pled guilty in April to one-count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“This sentence comes at a time when we have seen an increase in violence against law enforcement in Alabama," Town said. “Those who would threaten the life of any member of law enforcement would threaten the life of any member of the community. While Tucker is provided a federal prison bed in which to lay, the rest of us should all stand with the men and women of the badge."
“Reducing the potential for violent crime in this case was critical due to ATF partnering with our state, local and federal partners," Watson said.
On Nov. 15, 2018, just after midnight, Tuscaloosa police officer Joshua Smith attempted to stop a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of Creekwood Village Apartments. The unidentified driver obeyed Officer’s Smith’s commands to exit the vehicle when the armed passenger, Tucker, jumped in the driver’s seat. Tucker attempted to run over Officer Smith as he fled the scene in the stolen car. A high speed chase ensued.
Tuscaloosa police officer Jacob Morris was in the area, observed Tucker speeding near Stillman College. Officers Morris and Smith pursued Tucker in a high speed chase on 15th Street and McFarland Boulevard with Tucker reaching speeds near 100 mph. Tucker finally abandoned the stolen vehicle and fled on foot near the Springbrook neighborhood. Although Tucker was armed, Officers Morris and Smith relentlessly pursued Tucker and apprehended him. Tucker was armed with a stolen Hi-Point.45 caliber pistol.
Tucker was sentenced to the statutory maximum of 10 years based on his criminal history. He endangered the life of Officer Joshua Smith, other Tuscaloosa police officers involved in the chase, and innocent lives traveling on Tuscaloosa streets that morning.
ATF investigated the case, which the Assistant United States Attorney Blake Milner prosecuted.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
