Ronald Ladale Atchison, Jr., a 37-year-old resident of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm following a previous felony conviction. This was announced by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
Atchison was charged on March 5, 2024, by a federal grand jury with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charge stemmed from an incident on January 29, 2024, when Oklahoma City Police Department officers responded to a shooting report in the northeast Metro area. They discovered a wrecked vehicle and two victims at the scene, one suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. The victims reported being chased by an SUV whose driver fired multiple shots at them, including at close range after their crash. The wounded victim received hospital treatment for his injuries.
Law enforcement later located the suspect SUV and apprehended Atchison. Inside the vehicle, officers found a handgun along with marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl pills.
On May 29, 2024, Atchison pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm despite his criminal history.
U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Atchison on November 13, 2024, to serve the statutory maximum of 180 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Wyrick cited Atchison’s disrespect for the law and his extensive criminal record as factors influencing the sentence decision.
Atchison's criminal history includes convictions in Oklahoma County District Court for domestic abuse by strangulation (CF-2019-2373), driving under the influence (CF-2019-2273), possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (CF-2012-7555), illegal possession of a firearm (CF-2012-2671), and possession of marijuana (CF-2009-4362).
The investigation leading to this case involved collaboration between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew E. Davis prosecuted the case.
This case is part of "Operation Shots Fired," which focuses on cases involving firearms discharge during criminal activities such as drive-by shootings or incidents occurring during robberies or domestic disputes.
Further information can be found through public filings related to this case.