Attempted Gun Ambush, Car Chase Sends Repeat Cocaine Dealer to Prison

Prosecutors with Charme Allen’s Career Gang Unit obtained a twenty-three year sentence after defendant Edward Allen Carter, 35, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Sell Cocaine in a Drug Free School Zone and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony. Carter, a previously convicted felon from Detroit, Michigan, must serve one hundred percent of his sentence and is not eligible for parole.

ADA Phil Morton outlined the State’s case during a hearing in front of Judge Steve Sword. Morton explained that on December 2, 2011, a citizen called 911 to report that the occupants of two vehicles traveling on Washington Avenue were shooting at each other. Knoxville Police Department officers responded to the area, eventually locating the vehicles on Magnolia Avenue. After Carter’s car was stopped, Ofc. Jimmy Wilson was in his police cruiser running Carter’s driver’s license through a records check when Carter called Wilson to come back to his driver-side window. Unbeknownst to Carter, Ofc. Brian Headrick could see through the passenger window that Carter had a pistol in his hand. Officers ordered Carter to put his hands up, but he sped away. Officers pursued Carter for nearly three miles during which he threw a bag of crack cocaine out of the driver’s window. Eventually, Carter abandoned his car, fled on foot, and was taken into custody by Ofc. Wilson’s K-9 partner, Max. Officers recovered a loaded 9mm handgun in the vehicle. Carter was on probation at the time for selling cocaine and had other prior felony convictions from Michigan.

“”Repeat offenders should expect to receive enhanced sentences, especially when their crimes involve firearms,”” stated General Allen.””This dangerous encounter proves that Mr. Carter belongs in prison and not on our streets.””

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.