Derrick L. Freeman, 28, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery, one count of carjacking, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.
In his plea, Freeman admitted that on May 12, 2013, he and his co-defendants went to the home of a Kansas City, Kan., man to buy some synthetic marijuana. Once there, they robbed the man at gunpoint. During the robbery, Freeman fired a handgun and then fled the scene before police arrived.
On May 26, 2013, Freeman and co-defendants walked to a Stop Shop gas station at 6865 State Avenue in Kansas City, Kan., where Freeman suggested they “get a car.” They robbed the driver of a 2004 Ford Freestar minivan of wallet and keys and drove away in the victim’s minivan.
When the defendants realized officers had spotted their vehicle they led police on a 17-minute chase at speeds up to 112 miles per hour.
The minivan wrecked in a plowed field near Leavenworth Road and North 184th Street in Basehor, Kan., where the defendants fled on foot. Derrick Freeman fired a handgun at a law enforcement officer before being arrested.
Co-defendants include:
- Anthony L. Irvin, 19, Kansas City, Kan., who was sentenced to 207 months.
- Terry D. Tillman, 26, Kansas City, Kan., who was sentenced to 10 years.
- Joe Freeman, 33, Kansas City, Kan., who is awaiting trial.
- Jeffrey B. Jackson, 47, Leavenworth, Kan., who is awaiting trial.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
