Florida Man Convicted of Attempted Murder of Police Officer Sentenced to Life in Prison
Sentence Imposed Following 2016 Incident
Lee County, Florida – A Florida man convicted of attempted murder for shooting a Sanibel police officer in November 2016 was sentenced to life in prison on Monday.
Details of the Incident
The officer was sitting in his patrol car along Periwinkle Way when he was shot in the shoulder by Jon Webster Hay in a passing car. Officers responded to the scene and identified the shooter as Hay. With the help of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, they located Hay’s car.
Hay’s Actions During the Incident
Police said they tried to get Hay to stop, but he continued driving to his home on Sandcastle Way, where he fired more than two dozen rounds as law enforcement officers approached him. The officers were not struck, but their patrol cars were hit. They returned fire, and Hay was grazed by a bullet before being taken into custody.
Evidence Found During Search
A loaded semiautomatic gun was found in a fanny pack he was wearing when officers searched him. The State Attorney’s Office also said he had extra ammunition-filled magazines for the gun.
Officer’s Recovery
The officer who was shot was treated at the hospital for his injuries and survived.
Judge’s Decision
Hay was convicted of three counts of attempted first-degree murder on a law enforcement officer, fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer, and shooting at or into an occupied vehicle. Now, he will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Conclusion
The sentence imposed on Hay is a stark reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers take every day to protect their communities. The attempted murder of a police officer is a serious crime, and the justice system has served its purpose by imposing a sentence that reflects the gravity of the offense.
FAQs
* What was the charge against Jon Webster Hay?
+ Attempted murder of a police officer, fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer, and shooting at or into an occupied vehicle.
* What was the outcome of the court case?
+ Hay was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
* What was the extent of the officer’s injuries?
+ The officer was shot in the shoulder and treated at the hospital for his injuries. He survived the attack.
* What was found on Hay during the search?
+ A loaded semiautomatic gun and extra ammunition-filled magazines were found on Hay.
