Darren Patterson, a 31-year-old from Washington D.C., has been sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a stolen firearm. The sentencing took place in U.S. District Court following an incident in April 2024, where Patterson attempted to evade police, resulting in multiple vehicle collisions and ultimately crashing into a tree. Upon his arrest, authorities discovered over 70 grams of crack cocaine and a stolen Glock 47 modified to function as a machine gun.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., FBI Special Agent Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Patterson entered a guilty plea on July 25, 2024, for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Loren L. AliKhan ordered him to serve three years of supervised release.
Court documents reveal that on April 13, 2024, officers from the MPD’s Fifth District Crime Suppression Team noticed a black firearm visible inside Patterson's parked sedan on the 1000 block of 16th Street NE. As officers approached for investigation, Patterson attempted to flee, reversing into another vehicle before driving forward into additional vehicles and onto the sidewalk. His escape ended when he crashed into a tree.
A search revealed the stolen Glock with one round chambered and 19 rounds in its magazine; it had been altered with a "giggle switch" for automatic firing capability. Officers also found crack cocaine—13 grams on Patterson and an additional 58.5 grams at the scene—and $2,030 cash.
Patterson has prior convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emory Cole, Meredith Mayer-Dempsey, and Jared English.