WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - A Wilmington man will spend seven years in prison on a federal firearm charge after he pointed a gun at a police officer during a foot chase last year.
James Edward Clarida Jr., 29, was sentenced in federal court on Wednesday for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On March 31, 2019, Clarida was the passenger in a car that was stopped for a traffic violation by officers with the Wilmington Police Department. As the car came to a stop, Clarida jumped from the car and ran from officers.
An officer immediately ran after Clarida. During the foot pursuit, Clarida turned and pointed a handgun at the officer. The officer took cover behind a parked vehicle and lost sight of Clarida.
Additional officers responded to the scene and with the help of a K-9 unit were able to locate Clarida hiding under a nearby home.
Officers recovered a loaded .45 caliber handgun along a path they believe Clarida took.
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