Man found guilty in 2014 police shooting

Donald Goins faces mandatory life in prison

Donald Goins

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man was found guilty in connection to a police shooting that happened last year, state attorneys said.

Donald Goins, 34, was found guilty Friday of attempted second-degree murder of a law enforcement officer, possession of cocaine, possession of hydrocodone, possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to state attorneys.

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Officer J.A. Benson, with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, pulled Goins over during a traffic stop in April 2014.

When Benson stepped out of his patrol car, Goins began shooting at the officer, state attorneys said.

Benson was struck in his upper right arm. State attorneys said Benson managed to return fire on Goins, who then fled the scene. Goins was arrested later that evening.

Goins' criminal history includes a 2010 felony battery conviction and a 2007 conviction for delivery of cocaine, according to state attorneys. In 2014, he was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison for felony battery.

Goins now faces mandatory life in prison, state attorneys said. He will be sentenced the week of Sept. 21.