A Pensacola man has pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges stemming from a violent confrontation with law enforcement in late 2024. The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida.
Darrion K. Finley, 21, admitted to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, attempting to kill an Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy to prevent certain communications and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to court records, the incident unfolded on December 17, 2024, when deputies attempted to stop Finley, who was driving a stolen vehicle. Finley sped away, triggering a pursuit. The chase ended when a deputy used a precision immobilization technique to stop the vehicle. As the car came to a halt, Finley fired a nine-millimeter round into the deputy’s patrol vehicle.
Finley tried to run from the scene while holding a Glock pistol with an extended magazine. A K9 unit brought him to the ground, but he attempted to flee again and was shot by the deputy. He survived his injuries and was later indicted by a federal grand jury.
“This case shows the deadly threats our officers face every day,” Heekin said. “We remain committed to pursuing violent offenders and standing with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe.”
Finley faces up to life in federal prison. Sentencing is set for January 13, 2026, before U.S. District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II.
The investigation was handled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton.
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