TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man who was shot during a confrontation with Topeka police has pleaded guilty to a federal gun crime, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

James Edward Anderson, Jr., 31, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of firearms after a felony conviction. In his plea, he admitted that on Nov. 24, 2010, he unlawfully possessed a .45 caliber pistol and a 9 mm pistol . At the time, he was prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm because in April 2009 he had been convicted in Shawnee County District Court on a felony drug charge.

On Nov. 24, two Topeka police officers saw Anderson run a stop sign at S.E. Minnesota Street and S.E. 29th Street. They chased him as he turned on to Colorado Street and accelerated away from them. The pursuit ended in the 2700 block of S.E. 29th, where Anderson jumped from the moving car armed with the two guns. Officers reported Anderson raised the gun to his chest and turned to face off with the officers. Officers fired at Anderson, who was wounded.

Sentencing is set for May 13. Prosecutors are recommending a sentence of 46 months in federal prison.

Grissom commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough for their work on the case.

 

 

 

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