Jose Rivera, 46, has been sentenced to over 18 years in federal prison after shooting at a Cartersville police officer in 2022. Rivera, a convicted felon, illegally possessed a firearm he had stolen moments before the incident.
The Details: On November 17, 2022, Rivera broke into a Cartersville store by throwing a cinderblock through the door. He stole a 9mm pistol and later fired it at customers inside a nearby Circle K gas station.
Police arrived on the scene as Rivera fled behind the store. In the ensuing chase, Rivera turned and shot at the officer, who returned fire, injuring Rivera in the leg and foot. He was quickly arrested and treated for his injuries.
A subsequent investigation revealed that Rivera, already a convicted felon, was prohibited from owning a firearm. His guilty plea on April 26, led to a sentence of 18 years and four months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $300 in restitution.
