A Salt Lake City man faces up to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a firearms charge Monday in U.S. District Court.
Cliff Inoke Katoa, 22, admitted that he was in possession of and displayed a handgun during an altercation in 2008, the U.S. Department of Justice said.
When an officer responded to the fight, he saw Katoa making gang signs with one hand while he pulled a pistol out of his pocket with the other hand, according to court documents.
Katoa fled after noticing the officer and threw the gun to get rid of it during the pursuit, court documents said. Katoa was later arrested, and police found the loaded gun, according to court documents.
Authorities say they believe Katoa is a member of the Tongan Crip Gang, the Department of Justice said.
A sentencing before Judge Dale Kimball has been scheduled for July 20.
— Ethan Thomas