CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – A Salem resident has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for shooting at police while they served a search warrant at his home.
Richard Edward America, III, 46, was sentenced for possession of an unregistered firearm.
In May 2022, America opened fire on police as they served a search warrant at his Salem residence. America fled the home but was quickly apprehended.
During the investigation, police found 11 firearms, including an assault-style weapon, two silencers, and ammunition.
A previous conviction in state court in Doddridge County prohibits Americans from possessing firearms.
The investigation was conducted by the Doddridge County Sheriff’s Department, Salem Police Department, West Virginia State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.