Former Brooklyn jail guard convicted in shooting during high-speed chase, facing minimum 10-year prison sentence.
A former Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) guard has been convicted by a federal jury for his involvement in a high-speed chase that culminated in a shooting incident in Brooklyn. The verdict, delivered on Tuesday, concludes a case involving Leon Wilson, 51, who was found guilty of violating the civil rights of a shooting victim while acting under the color of law, as well as using a firearm in a crime of violence.
On September 4, 2023, Wilson reportedly chased a BMW that he believed was involved in a contraband smuggling operation. The confrontation began shortly after 4 a.m., when Wilson, briefly leaving his post to purchase a coffee and a subway card, noticed the tinted windows of a BMW parked in a staff lot at the Sunset Park jail. After observing the vehicle’s suspicious behavior, Wilson pursued it for about a mile before opening fire, firing multiple rounds from his service weapon and striking a man seated in the rear of the car.
Once the victim, identified as Erick Encarnacion, was hit, Wilson reportedly did not contact 911 or notify his superiors about the incident, as he returned to his duties at the detention center. In his defense, Wilson claimed he was responding to what he believed was an ongoing jailbreak and stated that he could not reach his radio to request assistance. He alleged that he saw someone inside the fleeing vehicle brandishing a gun; however, the injury to Encarnacion was determined to be inflicted from a bullet fired by Wilson.
During the trial, which lasted several days, prosecutors presented surveillance evidence contradicting Wilson’s assertion that his actions were justified under the circumstances he described. The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before rejecting Wilson’s defense, taking into account the testimonies presented, including Encarnacion’s claim that no one in the car had threatened Wilson with a weapon.
Wilson’s legal counsel attempted to position him as a hero and veteran correctional officer who acted under duress. However, the prosecution rebutted this characterization, emphasizing the recklessness of his behavior during the incident.
As a result of the verdict, Wilson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the use of force by law enforcement personnel and raises critical questions regarding accountability within correctional facilities. The federal district court’s decision underscores the legal principle that any use of force by officers must be justified, proportional, and adhere to established protocols.
