Loveking Kitching, a 22-year-old from Deland, entered a guilty plea for two counts of possessing firearms as a convicted felon, according to the United States Attorney's Office. Sentenced under the weight of the federal law, Kitching could see up to 15 years for each count when he faces a judge later this year on December 11. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that the first incident took place on May 13, 2023, where Kitching, amidst an exchange of gunfire near a gas station, was captured on camera entering a convenience store with a loaded 9mm pistol. This confrontation left Kitching with injuries to his mouth and hand.
A later run-in with the law on December 12 saw Kitching leading a car chase after officials attempted a stop. It concluded with Kitching at a standstill in an industrial park. During this chase, investigators retrieved a .40 caliber pistol along with Kitching's cellphone, discarded on the ground. Both items bore the unmistakable markers of Kitching's identity: his DNA and fingerprints. His prior convictions in 2022, extensive enough to bar him from possession of firearms or ammunition, compounded the severity of these incidents.
The indefatigable efforts of multiple agencies, including the FBI and ATF, brought the case to this juncture. Local forces such as the Deland Police Department and the Volusia County Sheriff's Office also played pivotal roles in investigating these events. Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro is credited with the prosecution of this case.
As part of the broader Project Safe Neighborhoods, launched on May 26, 2021, this Department of Justice initiative aims to foster trust and legitimacy within communities, support organizations in violence prevention, and prioritize strategic enforcement. Intended to ensure the safety of neighborhoods, the program's results are under continuous review to gauge its effectiveness in deterring crime and nurturing secure environments.
