By: Richard L. Smith
A Clifton rapper who authorities said fired multiple shots at a pregnant woman during a violent confrontation in a public parking lot has been sentenced to more than five years in federal prison.
Justin Pope, 38, known professionally as "P-Dice," was sentenced on June 23 to 63 months in prison after previously pleading guilty in Newark federal court to two counts of unlawfully possessing ammunition as a convicted felon.
According to federal authorities, the incident occurred on July 12, 2023, when police responded to reports of gunfire in a Clifton parking lot.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed Pope and a pregnant woman involved in an argument inside a vehicle.
During the confrontation, the woman briefly took possession of a firearm before returning it.
After she exited the vehicle and struck Pope in the face, authorities said Pope pointed the gun at her and fired two shots at close range.
Investigators said Pope then got out of the vehicle and attempted to pull the woman from the car as she tried to escape.
When she managed to get back inside, Pope allegedly climbed over her and kicked at her in an effort to force her out.
One of the bullets fired crossed a nearby street and entered a fast-food restaurant, striking a menu display behind the counter while employees were inside.
Authorities recovered the projectile during the investigation.
Federal prosecutors said Pope escalated concerns the following day when he posted videos on social media showing himself firing a weapon into the air and taunting law enforcement.
In one video, he allegedly stated, "Can't find me ... Police. Y'all never gonna find me."
Hours later, authorities located and arrested Pope as he attempted to board a bus in New York City that was headed out of state.
Law enforcement recovered a loaded privately made 9mm firearm, commonly known as a ghost gun, equipped with a large-capacity magazine.
Ballistics testing later determined the weapon was the same firearm used during the Clifton shooting, according to court records.
Federal authorities noted that Pope was prohibited from possessing ammunition because of a prior New Jersey aggravated assault conviction involving the shooting of a child.
U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer said the sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant's actions and the danger posed to both the victim and the public.
Pope will serve 63 months in federal prison followed by a period of supervised release.