A Lancaster city man was sentenced to 2 ½ to 5 years in prison after being convicted by jury of person not to possess a firearm during a trial in November.

Shamell Smith, 38 of the 500 block of St. Joseph St., was sentenced by Lancaster County Judge Jeffery D. Wright on March 9.

On January 25, 2021, around 2:43 a.m., police responded to a domestic incident near S. Arch St. and Vine St. in Lancaster city. The caller stated a male wearing a white durag was choking a woman.

After officers arrived on scene, they observed a male fitting the description the caller gave running toward Water St. Officers noticed the suspect throw an object into a yard. Upon retracing, officers discovered a green Crown Royal bag that contained a loaded black .22 caliber Ruger firearm.

Smith had previously been charged with robbery, a felony, in New York and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Assistant District Attorney Chris Miller, with assistance from intern Sarah Darok, prosecuted the case.

“Not only did he illegally possess a firearm, but he threw the gun in an area where it could’ve been picked up by someone who eventually continued this cycle of violence,” Darok said and asked for a sentence within the guidelines of 30 to 90 months.

Judge Wright informed Smith he had every right to make a statement before he proceeded with sentencing and asked if he wished to speak.

“No not right now, sir,” Smith replied.

Smith returned to Lancaster County Prison following sentencing.

Lancaster City Bureau of Police Officer Benjamin Detwiler filed charges.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sean McBryan, semcbryan@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @SeanMcBryanLanc.