It is good to know the Supreme Court has recognized that when a driver flees from the police, his car becomes a deadly weapon aimed at anyone who happens to get in his way. Now the question is, will the Das accept a felony charge for drivers fleeing from the police?” Don’t hold your breath.
SUPREME COURT: FLEEING POLICE IN CAR IS A VIOLENT OFFENSE
Associated Press
June 9, 2011
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court says fleeing police custody in a vehicle can be considered a violent felony.
The high court made its ruling on Thursday in the case of Marcus Sykes.
Sykes was convicted of being a felon in possession of a handgun in 2008. Officials said he was subject to a sentencing enhancement because of two previous felony convictions, one of which was fleeing the police in a car in Indiana.
Sykes argued his fleeing conviction shouldn't be considered violent and two federal appeals courts, the 7th Circuit in Chicago and the 11th Circuit in Atlanta, have ruled in opposite ways.
The high court said in a 6-3 judgment that Sykes' flight from police can be considered a violent felony.
The case is Sykes v. United States, 09-11311.
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