Special to 1808Delaware
Davon L. Rayford, 28, of Columbus, was sentenced in U.S. District Court last week to 120 months in prison for gun and drug crimes. The defendant opened fire in the parking lot of an area golf entertainment center during an altercation last winter.
“Escalating to gun violence is never the answer,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “People should be free to go about their daily lives and visit local businesses without fear. This case shows that if you break federal firearms laws and endanger others, you could face significant time in federal prison.”
According to court documents, in February 2023, Rayford went to the Topgolf near Polaris with several other people. An altercation began between Rayford and the other individuals with whom he was golfing, and at approximately 4:30pm, Rayford went to his car and retrieved a Glock 9mm pistol. Rayford fired several shots at the individuals in their car and fled. The business’s parking lot was full of other customers at the time.
A special duty officer was present and collected the shell casings. Rayford was also captured on the business’s surveillance video footage.
The next day, Rayford was involved in a car crash. When officers arrived, Rayford was intoxicated and trying to leave the scene of the crash. Upon arresting Rayford, officers discovered methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and Xanax, the Glock 9mm pistol and $5,000 in cash.
The crime lab determined the pistol was a ballistics match to the one used at the Topgolf shooting.
Rayford was charged federally and arrested in June 2023. He pleaded guilty in May 2024. He admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute controlled substances and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The Court ordered Rayford to serve his federal sentence consecutive to his current state sentence with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, which is due to end in August 2026.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the sentence imposed by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth A. Geraghty is representing the United States in this case.
Source: United States Attorney’s Office for Southern District of Ohio Press Release; Image by Alexander Fox | PlaNet Fox from Pixabay
