DAVENPORT, Iowa – Clarence Washington, age 36, of Chicago, was sentenced on Wednesday to 440 months (approximately 36.5 years) in federal prison on several charges related to firearm and drug offenses. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, Washington was sentenced for drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms charges. Washington was originally charged in federal court in 2018. In February of 2019, while pending trial, Washington cut off his GPS ankle monitor and absconded from federal supervision. Washington was subsequently arrested on February 18, 2021, after attempting to elude and shooting at police officers in the parking lot of the Walgreens at Kimberly Road and Division Street in Davenport. Washington was then federally indicted on additional charges relating to his failure to appear for trial, and his continued trafficking of drugs and unlawful possession of firearms, to include the discharge of a firearm at police related to his drug trafficking activities. At sentencing, the Court also considered evidence that, prior to the shooting, Washington had threatened another individual while displaying a firearm and stated he was going to shoot it out with the police.
Davenport Police Department Assistant Chief Jeff Bladel stated, “We are thankful our officers were not seriously injured during the arrest of Washington when he opened fire as they attempted to take him into custody. Additionally, we are very proud of the bravery and hard work that our officers do each and every day to keep our community safe. We appreciate the continued partnerships we have with our prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office and our area law enforcement agencies. With these partnerships, we will continue to collaborate to keep violent offenders off the streets in our communities.”
Scott County Sheriff Tim Lane added, “This case sends a clear message that if you wish to do violence in our community, it will not be tolerated.”
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Davenport Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Quad Cities Metropolitan Enforcement Group, and the Scott County Attorney’s Office. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.