NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) – An Edenton man has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.

Court records show that troopers with the North Carolina Highway Patrol pulled over 34-year-old Karon McDonald in Plymouth. Troopers said that McDonald struggled with them at the car before trying to run away. Troopers used a taser to stop McDonald and arrest him.

According to court documents troopers when they searched McDonald’s car they found a handgun with a Glock switch on it, allowing it to fire like a machinegun.

“This case is yet another example of the dangers our members face and the important work they perform in keeping North Carolina safe,” said State Highway Patrol Commander Colonel Freddy Johnson, Jr. “We are honored to work alongside our valued partners at the Department of Justice as these cases go through the criminal justice system and are confident in their continued commitment to hold dangerous criminals accountable for their actions.”

Court records show that McDonald is a validated member of the Crips gang and has also been convicted of two previous assaults with a deadly weapon with intent to kill in state court as well as numerous other instances of violence.