PHILADELPHIA, PA — A Philadelphia man was convicted Tuesday of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon following a federal trial, U.S. Attorney David Metcalf announced.
Arthur Thompson, 40, was found guilty after prosecutors presented evidence related to a December 20, 2022, incident involving Philadelphia police, according to court filings.
Authorities said two officers observed Thompson commit a traffic violation and attempted a traffic stop, after which he exited his vehicle, discarded a loaded firearm, and fled on foot.
According to prosecutors, Thompson was apprehended after a brief chase and later charged with firearms violations.
He was federally indicted in January of last year and later charged in a superseding indictment in December, officials said.
Prosecutors said Thompson had a prior conviction punishable by more than one year in prison, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Thompson is scheduled to be sentenced on July 8 and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Gun Violence Task Force, and the Philadelphia Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. Eckert and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracie J. Gaydos are prosecuting the case.
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