Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Convicted Felon Who Fired Handgun Near Wrigley Field Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison
CHICAGO — A convicted felon who fired a handgun near Wrigley Field was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison.
HOYTUAN PIERCE discharged the handgun on Oct. 13, 2015, during a dispute with several individuals in the 3400 block of North Clark Street in Chicago. No one was injured. Pierce had previously been convicted of a felony and was not legally allowed to possess the gun.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m., while the area was crowded with baseball fans. Earlier that evening at nearby Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs defeated the St. Louis Cardinals to clinch the National League Division Series.
Pierce, 33, of Chicago, pleaded guilty last year to one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a felon. U.S. District Judge Elaine E. Bucklo imposed the 84-month sentence in federal court in Chicago.
The guilty plea was announced by Joel R. Levin, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Celinez Nunez, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Eddie Johnson, Chicago Police Superintendent.
"Gun-related deaths and injuries have taken an immeasurable toll on the citizens of the Northern District of Illinois over the past couple of years," Assistant U.S. Attorney Cornelius Vandenberg argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. "Defendant’s actions on October 13, 2015, showed a blatant disregard for the safety of those around him."
Mr. Vandenberg represented the government along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Ankur Srivastava.
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