Sikeston man pleads to gun charge

Herschel L. Townsend, 24, of Sikeston, Mo., pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He appeared before U.S. District Judge Jean C. Hamilton in Cape Girardeau.

Sikeston police heard a gunshot June 14 in the vicinity of Townsend's home. They approached him and attempted to search him, but he fled and was pursued. One officer saw him discard a .22 caliber pistol during the chase. He was apprehended and admitted the gun was his and that he had fired it.

Townsend was previously convicted in 1999 of felony possession of a controlled substance. He now faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.