Man Indicted for Shooting a Police Officer

United States Attorney Trent Shores announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment against John Terry Chatman, Jr., 34, of Tulsa, charging him with Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, Obstruction of Justice by Attempting to Kill a Witness, and Carrying, Using, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.

The indictment alleges that Chatman possessed a 32 caliber revolver and ammunition after prior felony convictions, attempted to kill a Tulsa police officer, and carried and discharged a firearm during a crime of violence.  If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition charge; a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the obstruction of justice by attempting to kill a witness charge; and a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine for the carrying, using, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence charge. 

United States Attorney Shores stated, “This indictment alleges that John Terry Chatman violated federal laws when he shot and wounded a Tulsa police officer with a firearm that he illegally possessed. We will seek to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and hold him accountable in a court of law. Like any other shooting victim of a felon with an illegal gun, the wounded police officer in this case deserves justice.”

United States Attorney Trent Shores represents the United States as lead prosecutor in this matter. The case was investigated by the The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department.

The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged federal crimes which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.