A Newark man who is a previously convicted felon admitted today to possessing a firearm and ammunition in connection with an incident in which he shot another individual, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito, announced.
According to Federal officials, Andre Shoulars, 27, of Newark, pleaded guilty by teleconference before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to an indictment charging him with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Officials said on Nov. 4, 2018, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the victim was in the area of 340 Hawthorne Avenue in Newark, speaking with another individual.
According to Federal officials, Shoulars approached the victim, pulled out a semiautomatic handgun, and began firing several shots at the victim. Although the victim was able to run away as Shoulars fired the pistol, the victim was hit in the foot with one .40 caliber bullet fired by Shoulars. The victim was treated at a hospital for the bullet wound.
Officials say Newark police officers responded to the scene of the shooting and recovered five .40 caliber shell casings from the street. Officers also recovered videotapes from several surveillance cameras that were stationed in the area of the shooting.
According to federal officials, the videotapes showed Shoulars walking around in the area just before the shooting, and also showed Shoulars shooting at the victim and then running away.
The charge to which Shoulars pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 21, 2020.