Portland man sentenced for firing rifle into apartment

A man from Portland has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for firing an AK-47-style rifle into an occupied apartment below him. Paul K. Mitchell, 41, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to two years and three months after a federal judge accepted a recommendation from prosecutors. During the incident, Mitchell fired the rifle into the floor of his apartment, nearly hitting four family members below, including a 2-year-old and an infant. Prosecutor Nicole Bockelman emphasized Mitchell’s violent criminal past and the danger of his actions. He was prohibited from having a gun after previous convictions for attempted murder and robbery. Mitchell's defense attorney argued for a lighter, two-year sentence, stating that Mitchell feels deep remorse and is committed to his recovery. He has been in custody since May and needs surgery for a hernia. In court, Mitchell wrote a letter expressing his understanding of the seriousness of his actions but did not speak during the hearing. The police arrived at Mitchell's apartment after reports of gunfire. Mitchell initially denied the shooting and refused to let police in. He surrendered after about an hour, and police found bullet holes in the ceiling of the downstairs apartment. They also discovered the rifle and ammunition in his closet. Mitchell has a history of gun-related offenses and had previously sought to have one of his convictions overturned, but no action was taken on that petition.