MUNCIE, Ind. — A judge in Delaware County sentenced a 20-year-old man for the attempted murder of three Delaware County sheriff's deputies.
Judge Judi Calhoun sentenced Tarron Conwell, of Muncie, to 79 years after a jury deliberated for four hours and found him guilty on two counts of attempted murder, one count of criminal recklessness, one count of unlawful carrying of a handgun and one count of resisting law enforcement.
"Police officers form the thin blue line that stands between criminals and their would-be victims. In doing so, they routinely put their life in jeopardy so that we may live in a civilized and safe society. Officers have the absolute right to defend their own lives so that they may go home at the end of their shift. If you choose to fire a gun at a police officer, you do so at your own peril. As Prosecutor, I will not tolerate acts of violence against law enforcement," Delaware County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Hoffman said in a statement at the time of Conwell's conviction.
According to court documents, deputies had been searching for Conwell on a prior alleged crime. Conwell was also said to be sought on warrants from Madison County.
Deputies said they came across Conwell outside his Muncie home in the 3000 block of South Mock Avenue, near South Macedonia Avenue and East 26th Street, on June 23, 2023.
According to the court documents, Conwell ran and pulled a 9mm gun and fired at the deputies chasing him.
An Indiana State Police spokesperson said Deputy Carter Smithson, of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, "returned fire with his department issued sidearm."
ISP said Sgt. Tim Mitchell then "utilized his department-issued police vehicle to stop the deadly and aggressive actions of Conwell and to protect the other officer on foot. The police vehicle was also struck by gunfire from the suspect."
None of the deputies were injured in the incident.
After getting medical treatment at the scene, an ambulance took Conwell to a Muncie hospital. He was later transferred to a hospital in Indianapolis for treatment.
A search of Conwell's home allegedly turned up marijuana and other guns.
While he was in jail awaiting his initial hearing, Conwell allegedly assaulted a correctional officer. The incident was said to have happened after Conwell got upset about his food tray. According to court documents, Conwell smacked the officer in the face. Conwell was restrained, but he allegedly kept trying to kick and scratch officers.
