A Northwest Georgia convicted felon, Jose Rivera,  has been sentenced to federal prison for the possession of a stolen firearm, which he discharged at a Cartersville police officer in 2022, and for the possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

On November 17, 2022, Rivera threw a cinderblock through the front door of a local store in Cartersville, Georgia, after which he entered the store and stole a 9mm pistol. He then went to a Circle K in Cartersville, where he pointed the gun at customers and fired the weapon.

An officer with the Cartersville Police Department arrived at the scene and Rivera fled behind the Circle K. As the officer pursued the suspect, Rivera turned and fired at the officer. The officer returned fire, striking Rivera in the leg and foot. Rivera was arrested and provided with medical treatment. A subsequent investigation revealed that Rivera was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Jose Rivera, 46, of Cartersville, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William M. Ray, II to 18 years, four months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $300. Rivera was convicted on these charges on April 26, 2024, after he pleaded guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Calvin A. Leipold, III prosecuted the case.