Milwaukee man sentenced to federal prison for possessing loaded gun while trafficking drugs, fleeing from police

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee man was sentenced to federal prison Thursday, Aug. 6 for possessing a loaded gun while trafficking drugs and fleeing from police.

The incident happened on June 5, 2019.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Ronald J. Payne, 34, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment and two years' supervised released after Payne pled guilty to possessing a firearm in relation to drug trafficking. Payne was sentenced by United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger of the Eastern District of Wisconsin on Thursday, Aug. 6. 

According to court records, Milwaukee police officers attempted to pull Payne over for a traffic offense, however Payne took off in his truck, June 5, 2019. Officials say it turned into a high-speed chase through a residential area until Payne began to flee on foot while carrying a loaded .38-caliber handgun. Officers pursued and ordered him to drop the gun, in which Payne tossed the gun and fell tot he ground. Payne was then arrested and the gun was secured. According to a press release from the United States Attorney's Office of Eastern District of Wisconsin, Payne possessed cash and distribution-sized quantities of marijuana on his person and in his truck. Payne was a two-time convicted felon and admitted to being a drug dealer. 

Officials say an investigation revealed Payne also possessed two 9-mm pistols at his home and dozens of rounds of ammunition. Payne had been previously convicted of robbery and drug dealing, as well as served time in state prison. 

This case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative and is also part of Project Guardian. The case was investigated by the Milwaukee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Tim Funnell prosecuted the case.