JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — A Washington, Pa., man was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in federal prison for illegally possessing multiple firearms and ammunition following a high-speed police chase and crash in 2019.

Key Points

Derik Carothers, 29, sentenced to 120 months for illegal firearm possession as a felon.
Police recovered four loaded guns, crack cocaine, and a bulletproof vest after a 2019 crash.
Two of the firearms were stolen, one with an obliterated serial number.

Derik Carothers, 29, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on April 3 after being convicted of possessing firearms as a felon. Prosecutors said Carothers had multiple prior felony convictions, including burglary and two counts of carrying a firearm without a license, disqualifying him from legally owning any weapons.

On October 20, 2019, Carothers led Pennsylvania State Police on a high-speed pursuit on State Route 28 that ended in a violent rollover crash. Following the wreck, officers discovered crack cocaine, a digital scale, and $290 on Carothers.

Firearms and stolen weapons recovered

Investigators recovered four loaded firearms in or around Carothers’ vehicle: a Colt .38 caliber revolver, a Ruger AR-556 rifle, and two Glock .40 caliber handguns. Police also found extended magazines and a bulletproof vest. Two of the weapons had been reported stolen, including one with its serial number removed.

Carothers’ 10-year federal sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release.

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