Shane Jacquces Barfield, a convicted felon from Cartersville, Georgia, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after firing a stolen firearm at police officers. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge William M. Ray, II on November 4, 2025. Barfield will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.
According to information presented in court, the incident occurred on September 17, 2023. Barfield was driving through Cartersville with methamphetamine and a stolen gun in his vehicle when he lost control and crashed. Witnesses reported seeing him leave the scene carrying a firearm.
When officers from the Cartersville Police Department arrived, they instructed Barfield to drop his weapon and exit the car. He did not comply and instead fired a shot as an officer crossed in front of his vehicle. Officers returned fire before arresting Barfield and recovering a spent 9mm casing, the stolen pistol, and methamphetamine from his car. A subsequent investigation confirmed that the spent casing matched the stolen firearm.
Barfield pleaded guilty on May 15, 2025, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm by someone previously convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated: “Dangerous felons like Barfield forfeit the right to bear arms. Barfield broke the law when he possessed and discharged a stolen gun, endangering the safety of police officers and bystanders alike. Thanks to the brave, on-scene efforts of the Cartersville Police Department and subsequent collaboration with the FBI, Barfield will now serve a significant sentence in federal prison without the possibility of parole.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown said: “Shane Barfield knew he was not supposed to be in possession of a gun, much less fire one, but he violated the law. His actions could have been deadly. Thankfully, no law enforcement nor citizens were hurt.”
Cartersville Police Chief Frank McCann commented: “Not only was Barfield a threat to our officers that day, but a violent, convicted felon with an illegal firearm is a continual threat to our community. A threat that the Cartersville Police Department will not tolerate. We appreciate the FBI for their assistance, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their steadfast commitment to supporting the Cartersville Police Department in its public safety mission.”
The case was investigated by both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cartersville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Terry prosecuted this case.
More information about this case can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.