Suspect sentenced for 30 years after shooting, injuring Fort Wayne officer during burglary call
By: A man was sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty to attempted murder in the shooting of a Fort Wayne police officer who was trying to catch the 20-year-old at the scene of a burglary.
A judge in Allen Superior Court handed Zar Ni Myint a 30-year sentence in connection to the chaos that unfolded at a Fort Wayne home earlier this year.
On June 13, FWPD investigated a burglary at a home in the 4700 block of Holton Avenue. According to Allen Superior Court documents, Myint had broken into the home and was still there when police arrived. He was then accused of shooting an officer with his fully automatic handgun.
“We are fortunate that Officer Minardo survived this attack and continues to recover and fortunate this incident did not end more tragically,” FWPD Chief Scott Caudill said in a statement released after Myint’s sentencing.
Although police returned fire and hit Myint, he ran away but was caught later that day, according to court documents.
The officer who’d been shot was reportedly stable after being treated at a hospital. Myint was also treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound before being taken to the Allen County Jail.
Tuesday, the judge dismissed charges of aggravated battery and resisting law enforcement as part of a deal made with prosecutors in which Myint pleaded guilty to attempted murder, burglary leading to serious injury, and possession of a machine gun.
Myint was also given credit for the 159 days he’d spent in jail leading up to the sentencing.
“This outcome serves as a sober reminder of the importance of holding criminals accountable and honors the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers dedicated to serving and protecting us all,” the police chief said.