Felon Sentenced to 24 Months for Illegal Gun Possession in Navy Yard Chase

Phil Darkwah, 32, a previously convicted felon, was sentenced to 24 months in prison on May 7, 2026, in U.S. District Court in Washington for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition during a police foot chase in the Navy Yard neighborhood, the U.S. Department of Justice announced.

The sentence applies to one individual with a prior felony record. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition. The case originated from a specific incident in which Darkwah fled on foot from officers in the Navy Yard area of Washington and was found to be armed.

The prior state allowed Darkwah to remain free pending sentencing. The new state imposes immediate incarceration for 24 months. The sentence took effect on the day of imposition, May 7, 2026.

Downstream, the Bureau of Prisons must designate a facility and begin the 24-month term. Upon release Darkwah will enter a period of supervised release under U.S. Probation, during which any new violation can trigger additional penalties. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia continues to prioritize these prosecutions, which require coordination with Metropolitan Police Department officers who made the initial stop and recovery.

Courts must track compliance with the felon-in-possession statutes cited in the charging documents.

This marks the latest felony firearm sentencing secured by the Justice Department in the District of Columbia. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has pursued similar cases involving armed individuals with prior convictions in neighborhoods across the city, consistent with long-standing enforcement of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).