INDIANAPOLIS — An Indiana jury has convicted a man of attempted murder after he tried to shoot a police officer but ended up misfiring.
The jury unanimously agreed on Tuesday, June 25 that Joshua Burton, of Edinburgh, attempted to shoot an AR-15 style weapon at Edinburgh Police Officer Clayton Embry during a traffic stop, according to a news release.
Officials said Embry became involved with Burton after Burton had approached Edinburgh Police Officer Sean Pendleton to "lecture the officer about Burton’s belief in the government’s illegitimacy and his bizarre view that Edinburgh officers are foreign invaders."
Burton went to his car after speaking with Pendleton and drove through a stop sign. Embry then stopped Burton, and before Embry could get out of his vehicle, Burton charged at the officer with his rifle pointed at him. Burton tried to shoot Embry, but the gun misfired.
Officials said Embry then took Burton into custody.
“No one in Johnson County should have to put up with this behavior, but it was particularly offensive that Burton would ambush a police officer in this manner,” Deputy Prosecutor Bryan Smith said. “We are thankful that Edinburgh officers and their families can rest tonight knowing that Mr. Burton has been convicted of this offense.”
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin Police Department and Greenwood Police Department helped in the investigation.
“I am pleased to see this dangerous criminal convicted and behind bars where he will stay for better part of the rest of his life. The defendant in this case tried to kill a police officer,” Johnson County Prosecutor Lance Hamner said. “By the grace of God, the weapon misfired and the officer was not harmed.”
Burton is scheduled to be sentenced July 25. Officials said he is facing a penalty of 25 to 60 years.
