Riley gets three years for gun-related crimes

Jeremy Riley will spend the next three years in prison for three gun-related crimes he committed in 2007. The resident of Edinboro appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Monday November 9, 2009 on three charges.{{more}}

The 23 year old had previously been charged and granted bail, but a bench warrant was issued for his arrest in early 2008, after he absconded. He was later arrested in Martinique for drugs and served a sentence of about 18 months there.

Riley was charged on Monday with the possession of 9 mm pistol, serial number OT7223, attempting to discharge a 9 mm pistol at Ewert Ells King of Pembroke, and using a firearm to prevent his lawful apprehension. He pleaded guilty to all offences.

According to the facts, King, a dentist, was at his practice on Tyrell Street when he heard several gunshots. He looked out his window and saw a man, not Riley, running towards the Finishing and Furnishing building. King left his office and ran in the man’s direction, King then called the police.

King was at the entrance of the general hospital when he saw Riley coming towards him. A Coast Guard vehicle was approaching them, which King stopped and told the officers inside the vehicle that Riley had a gun. At that time Riley attempted to run and King grabbed him, they wrestled and during the scuffle Riley pulled the gun from his waist pointed it at King and pulled the trigger, but no shot was discharged. King, a holder of a gun license took his gun that he had in his waist and shot Riley in his hand.

A Coast Guard officer came to King’s assistance and both he and King were able to subdue Riley. Other officers arrived on the scene, arrested Riley and took him to the hospital. He was later charged.

Riley’s sentences will run concurrently, he was sentenced to three years for the possession of the 9mm firearm and one year each for the six rounds of ammunition and using a firearm to prevent the his apprehension.