Judge Rejects Plea for Mercy from Random Shooter

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An Annapolis man prohibited from owning a gun was sentenced to 10 years in prison Monday for reportedly standing in a street spraying bullets.

William Teat, 27, was sentenced on multiple firearm charges, according to the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office, including firing a weapon within 100 yards of an occupied structure and illegal possession of a regulated firearm, wear, carry and transport a firearm upon their person.

Teat, who has a son, asked Judge Paul F. Harris Jr. for mercy before the sentencing, saying he coaches youth basketball and is active with his church.

Harris rejected Teat’s request, reports The Capital-Gazette, noting that he was already banned from having a gun.

“The wrong people have guns and you’re one of those people, sir,” Harris said. “You had no business with a gun, much less firing it randomly in the air.”

While out on bond for the earlier offense, Teat was arrested by Annapolis Police for firing a gun Feb. 6, which sent one victim to the hospital. Investigators say Teat shot at the vehicle the victim and three other men were in.

Teat was charged with four counts of attempted second-degree murder, four counts of first- and second-degree assault, four counts of reckless endangerment, handgun on person, and firearm used by a felon in a felony or violent crime.

The newspaper reports Teat is scheduled to stand trial for the February incident on Dec. 8.