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A federal jury convicted Jarred Javon Ford, of Florida, for illegally possessing a gun in an incident where he shot a Nash County Sheriff’s deputy several times following a traffic stop, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of North Carolina. Ford is also facing state charges of attempted first-degree murder, assault on a law enforcement officer and other drug and traffic-related charges in state court arising from the incident.

“We stand by and support the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Michael Easley. “This defendant was a prior felon illegally carrying a gun, with an extended magazine, that was used to fire at two Nash County deputies. Now, he is facing time in federal prison.”

“Brazen attacks on those dedicated to public safety should never be tolerated,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “We’ve worked collectively to bring a very dangerous individual to justice.”

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina for being prompt in bringing this case into court,” said Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone. “Violent crime is trending upwards across America, and Jarred Ford’s actions are an example of the destructive behavior that erodes away the safety of our citizens. Crime against law enforcement is increasing day by day, and this makes a difficult job all the more difficult but also even more important. In this case, the situation could have been far worse if not for the training and discipline of these deputies who bravely put themselves in harm’s way to keep our citizens safe. As a law enforcement leader, I am proud to have these heroes, Deputy William Tony and Deputy Shelby Smith, safeguarding my family and friends. They are a brilliant representation of the Nash County Sheriff’s Office.”

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Ford was pulled over in February 2021 for speeding on I-95 by a Nash County Sheriff’s deputy. “During the traffic stop, a struggle ensued, and Ford, using a Taurus 9 mm pistol, fired several rounds,” stated the release. “One of the deputies assisting with the traffic stop was hit multiple times by the gunfire. Ford was ultimately subdued, and the gun was seized by officers on the scene.”

Ford faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced later this year.

Easley made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the verdict. The Nash County Sheriff’s Office, the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aakash Singh prosecuted.

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