A man caught in Van Buren County on April 18, 2017, with a rifle, meth and brass knuckles has been sentenced to serve 77 months in federal prison.
Derrick Sullivan, who also had burglary tools with him during the incident, was sentenced by Judge Sandy Mattice in Chattanooga.
Van Buren County deputies attempted to stop a vehicle Sullivan was traveling in to arrest him on an outstanding warrant. He refused to pull over and a pursuit ensued. A short time later, the vehicle stopped and Sullivan fled on foot.
The deputies observed Sullivan carrying a loaded Black Forge, Model BF15, .223 caliber semi-automatic rifle when he exited the vehicle. They gave chase and ultimately apprehended Sullivan in the yard of a nearby residence.
Before they apprehended him, the deputies observed Sullivan throw the rifle on the ground along with several bags of suspected methamphetamine, several pairs of black latex gloves, a burglar mask, brass knuckles, and a metal pry bar.
Sullivan said he had bought the gun for $300 a month earlier.