Montgomery man sentenced to 15 years for gun, drug crimes after 2023 car chase

A man from Montgomery has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for drug and gun-related crimes after a car chase in 2023 that led to several injuries. 

A statement released by U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson said that on Sept. 20 in 2023 an Alabama state trooper tried to stop Richard Eugene Moore, Jr., 37, for a traffic violation but refused. 

Moore then reportedly led police on a high speed chase and was seen throwing objects from a window. The chase ended in a residential area where he crashed into an unmarked police car and tried to flee on foot before being apprehended. 

Moore was minorly injured in the crash along with two female passengers and a toddler. The officer in the unmarked car was hospitalized for more severe injuries. 

The items that were thrown out of the car included a Glock and a handbag with marijuana and a digital scale. Moore was a felon who was prohibited from owning a firearm or ammunition.  

On Sept. 16 Moore pled guilty to possessing marijuana with intent to distribute it and for possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking. Additionally, he pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

“On a weekday afternoon, Moore led law enforcement on a high-speed chase through the streets of Montgomery when school traffic was at its peak,” said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “This type of reckless behavior cannot be tolerated. The 15-year sentence ordered by the judge was completely justified due to Moore’s total disregard for the safety of everyone on the road that day, including law enforcement and his passengers.”