United States Attorney David Metcalf has announced the arrest of Shahiem Groover, a 45-year-old resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Groover has been charged by indictment with several offenses: possessing cocaine and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, discharging a firearm during a drug-related crime, and illegal possession of a firearm as a felon.
Court documents describe an incident on February 24, 2025, when Philadelphia police officers stopped Groover, who was driving alone in a Buick with a suspended license plate. Initially compliant, Groover then returned to his vehicle, locked the doors, and sped away, initiating a police chase.
The pursuit continued for several blocks before Groover exited his car and attempted to flee on foot. According to the allegation, Groover stumbled, pulled out a loaded Sterling Arms .22 caliber pistol, and fired at the nearest officer. After a brief confrontation, he was detained, and the weapon was confiscated. A search of Groover's car revealed cocaine and methamphetamine, packaged in a manner consistent with drug trafficking.
Groover has previous convictions in Pennsylvania for crimes punishable by over a year of imprisonment, which legally prohibits him from possessing a firearm.
If convicted, Groover faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and could potentially receive a life sentence. The investigation was conducted by the Philadelphia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Parisi leading the prosecution.
U.S. Attorney Metcalf emphasized the presumption of innocence, stating, "The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court."
