A Conestoga Township man will serve up to 25 years in prison for having a stash of guns – while on bail for illegal possession of guns – and leading police on a vehicle chase this summer.
Brian Gainer, already a convicted felon, pleaded guilty to numerous additional felonies for the cache of pistols and rifles.
Lancaster County President Judge Dennis Reinaker sentenced Gainer to 9 to 25 years in prison, in accordance with an agreement arranged by First Assistant District Attorney Travis S. Anderson.
Gainer was originally charged in 2018 with having two pistols, five rifles, and brass knuckles at his former home in West Lampeter Township. As a convicted felon, Gainer is prohibited from having firearms.
While out on bail in that case, Gainer skipped a court hearing and made comments acknowledging that he was wanted. He told a witness “he had seven bullets for the police and one for [himself].”
Pennsylvania State Police conducted surveillance and observed Gainer handling firearms. On Aug. 5, 2019, police attempted to take Gainer into custody. He fled in a GMC pickup truck.
Gainer drove through private properties, including a cornfield, before his truck broke down. Gainer then fled on foot.
In the truck, police found a Beretta pistol with a round in the chamber, and another pistol. Police also found a rifle at Gainer’s home on Long Lane.
Gainer was arrested two days later at a hotel in Manheim Township.
In addition to the firearms charges, Gainer pleaded guilty to felony counts of agricultural vandalism and fleeing.
State police Cpl. Philip Strosser and Trooper Erick Baker filed charges.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright