The man responsible for a 2006 car wreck involving late Texas rapper Pimp C has been sentenced to a 70-year prison sentence.
The Beaumont Enterprise reports that Shawn Donnell Jones was sentenced last week for his role in the incident.
According to the Jefferson County District Attorney's office, Jones fired a round from an SKS assault rifle at two men who left the scene of a music video being filmed on the west side of Port Arthur.
After the round shattered the car’s rear windshield, a chase ensued as Jones fired at the two men several times.
At least six rounds from the weapon struck the car.
Soon after, the vehicle struck Pimp C’s car at an intersection, ending Jones’ assault. Authorities later captured Jones and his accomplice, Joseph Paul Smith.
During the chase, Smith drove the car while Jones fired shots. The court hearing marks the latest in a string of encounters between Jones and police.
The 38-year-old’s previous episodes include 19 previous criminal convictions in addition to 90 incidents of misconduct while incarcerated.
Jones’ sentencing is a step forward, in the eyes of prosecutor Pat Knauth.
"We were most gratified by the jury verdict against a chronic offender who has been a terror in the city of Port Arthur for years, he told the Enterprise.
“Who knows who else might have been injured or killed by his actions if the police hadn't been right on top of this situation?"
Factors in the decision against Jones included video footage of the chase as well as Jones' fingerprints on a partially empty box of bullets and a clip from the assault rifle.
Both items had been thrown from the car during the chase. To be considered for parole, Jones must serve at least 30 years of his prison sentence.
Another aggravated assault charge involving Jones is pending. A trial for that case will take place tomorrow (May 4).
