Shomrim Shooter David Flores Sentenced To 12 Years

David Flores, the man acquitted of attempted murder after shooting four Borough Park Shomrim members, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for possessing an illegal firearm on Friday.

Flores was arrested in 2010 after he fired his illegally obtained weapon on a group of Shomrim members. Members of the Shomrim patrol had surrounded his car and beat him, believing he had exposed himself to children. Jurors let Flores off the hook for attempted murder, deciding that his claim of self-defense was plausible, but he pleaded guilty to carrying an illegal weapon.

The 12-year sentencing is just three years shy of the maximum 15-year imprisonment for carrying an illegal firearm.

Such a stern sentencing could set a precedent for others who may now think again before carrying a weapon, according to Councilman David Greenfield, who advocated for the harsh punishment.

“This sentence sends a clear message that we will not tolerate criminals carrying illegal weapons on our streets. This is someone who put many lives in danger, including the four volunteers he shot and the many bystanders in the area at the time,” Greenfield said in a press release. “Through her sentence, the judge has made it clear that career criminals will be held accountable for their actions. I applaud Judge Riviezzo for her leadership despite the intense pressure she was under from the defendant and his attorneys.”

Flores has 20 prior arrests, including gun possession.

“I’ve been railroaded,” Flores shouted following his sentencing, according to the Daily News. “There’s no justice in this court.”

The sentencing was originally scheduled for January 6, but was postponed to add additional charges related to a financial scam, to which he pleaded guilty.

— Additional writing by Vanessa Ogle