Man found in Arnold basement with illegal gun to serve at least 3 years in prison
A Mercer County man found hiding in an Arnold basement two years ago was sentenced Wednesday to serve up to six years in prison for the illegal possession of a gun.
Detric Wood-Palmer, 30, pleaded guilty to two counts, including one that involved an allegation that he was a convicted felon found in possession of a semiautomatic handgun.
According to court records, Arnold police found Wood-Palmer in the basement of an apartment building on Aug. 22, 2017 while responding to numerous reports that four or five shots had been fired in the area.
Wood-Palmer told police he had been dropped off by a friend at that location and hid when he heard gunshots.
The gun and a holster were found in his possession as police searched him while he sat on his knees with his hands raised, records indicated. Wood-Palmer’s DNA was found on the gun, according to police.
Westmoreland County prosecutors said Wood-Palmer was barred from possessing any firearms as a result of a felony drug conviction in 2012.
Westmoreland County Court Judge Rita Hathaway sentenced Wood-Palmer to serve three-to-six years in prison and an additional four years on probation.
Rich Cholodofsky is a TribLive reporter covering Westmoreland County government, politics and courts. He can be reached at rcholodofsky@triblive.com.
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