SCRANTON, Pa. — A 28-year-old Lackawanna County man who admitted he shot his ex-girlfriend in the leg earlier this year learned Tuesday he will spend the next 10-to-20 years in a state prison.
Claude K. Harris, of Scranton, was sentenced to the maximum term by Judge Michael J. Barrasse. In a statement, District Attorney Brian Gallagher noted that Harris was on probation in March, when he shot at his ex-girlfriend from the window of a vehicle on Lafayette Street.
“Law enforcement in Lackawanna County must take a more aggressive stance against repeat violent offenders, expecially convicted felons who are prohibited from possessing firearms,” Gallagher said. “When individuals, life this defendant, who are already under court supervision, choose to arm themselves and commit violent crimes, we will seek the maximum sentences allowed by law.”
Court records show Harris was on probation from an earlier drug case. He was prohibited from owning guns from a prior felony firearms conviction, Gallagher said.
The woman he shot at was struck in her calf and made a full recovery.
Harris pleaded guilty in September to illegally possessing a firearm and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault.