KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas City, Kan., man has pleaded guilty to federal charges arising from an armed robbery and a carjacking, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Derrick L. Freeman, 28, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery, one count of carjacking, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.
In his plea, Freeman admitted that on May 12, 2013, he and his co-defendants went to the home of a Kansas City, Kan., man to buy some synthetic marijuana. Once there, they robbed the man at gunpoint. During the robbery, Freeman fired a handgun and then fled the scene before police arrived.
On May 26, 2013, Freeman and co-defendants walked to a Stop Shop gas station at 6865 State Avenue in Kansas City, Kan., where Freeman suggested they “get a car.”
They robbed the driver of a 2004 Ford Freestar minivan of wallet and keys and drove away in the minivan. When the defendants realized officers had spotted their vehicle they led police on a 17-minute chase at speeds up to 112 miles per hour.
The minivan wrecked in a plowed field near Leavenworth Road and North 184th Street in Basehor, Kan., where the defendants fled on foot. Derrick Freeman fired a handgun at a law enforcement officer before being arrested.
Freeman will be sentenced at a later date. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 300 months in federal prison.
Co-defendants include:
- Joe Freeman, 33, Kansas City, Kan., who is awaiting trial.
- Jeffrey B. Jackson, 47, Leavenworth, Kan., who is awaiting trial.
- Terry D. Tillman, 26, Kansas City, Kan., who is set for sentencing Nov. 12.
- Anthony L. Irvin, 19, Kansas City, Kan., who is set for sentencing Nov. 25.
- Melvin L. Shields, 20, Kansas City, Kan., who is set for sentencing Nov. 25.
