Muncie man who shot at Delaware County deputies convicted of attempted murder
MUNCIE, Ind. — A man who fired gunshots at Delaware County sheriff's deputies was found guilty Thursday of two counts of attempted murder.
A Delaware Circuit Court 1 jury also found Tarron H. Conwell, 20, guilty of criminal recklessness, unlawful carrying of a handgun and resisting law enforcement.
According to Indiana State Police, asked to investigate the events of June 23, 2023, by Delaware County Sheriff Tony Skinner, deputies were searching for Conwell "for an alleged prior crime" when they approached his home in the 3600 block of South Mock Avenue.
Conwell fled from the house on foot, according to an affidavit, and then "drew a concealed handgun and began to fire several rounds at pursuing deputies."
The deputies were not hit by the gunfire.
As he fled, Conwell was struck by a law enforcement vehicle, suffering injuries that left him hospitalized for several days.
More: Man accused of shooting at Delaware County deputies held on attempted murder charges
Called to the witness stand Wednesday by defense attorney Joe Hunter, Conwell maintained he was unaware the people who were pursuing him were sheriff's deputies.
"They were chasing me," he said. "What was I supposed to do? ... I was trying to get away."
He indicated he was concerned for his safety because his mobile home had recently been burglarized.
Conwell acknowledged he was aware at the time that he was the target of an arrest warrant issued in a Madison County court.
Deputy prosecutors Steve Sneed and Maricel Driscoll presented the state's case against Conwell.
Circuit Court 1 Judge Judi Calhoun set sentencing for July 24. The attempted murder charges are Level 1 felonies carrying maximum 40-year prison terms.
Conwell, formerly of Alexandria, still faces a total of 11 charges — including bribery, resisting law enforcement and false identity statement — in seven cases pending in Madison County courts.
In 2022, he was convicted of felony counts of dealing in marijuana and resisting law enforcement, also in Madison County.
After Thursday's guilty verdicts, Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman issued a statement noting that law enforcement officers "routinely put their life in jeopardy so that we may live in a civilized and safe society."
Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Jury finds Muncie man who shot at deputies guilty of attempted murder
