MARSHALL COUNTY — A man found guilty of attempted murder involving a police officer, learned his fate in court today. Lane Dodson, 35, of Warsaw will spend 35 years behind bars.

In December of 2014, Dodson was pulled over in connection with a suspected assault.

Things took a violent turn, when police say Dodson raised a gun toward officers and pulled the trigger. Officers returned fire.

He and his attorney denied that Dodson ever pointed or fired a gun.

This past December, Dodson was found guilty on four of five counts, including attempted murder and intimidation.

In court Wednesday, Judge Robert Bowen said his sentencing decision ultimately came down to the fact that Dodson never took responsibility for his actions that December evening.

“I’ve always been of the opinion that remorse or lack thereof weighs heavily on the ultimate sentence a judge imposes,” said Nelson Chipman, Marshall County prosecutor.

Dodson took the stand Wednesday morning, expressing concern to the judge for the lack of medical care he is currently receiving in jail.

“We know he is injured. And those injuries were a direct result of his actions. It was quite clear that he was blaming it on the officers,” said Chipman.

On December 29, 2014 Dodson was pulled over in a Plymouth Kmart parking lot. Within seconds of officers asking him to step out of the vehicle, shots were fired.

“There was no aggravation there until Lane Dodson pulled a gun,” said Chipman.

Dash cam video is included in the attached story.

Dodson suffered a number of serious injuries from the incident. He was hit in his right hand, right shoulder, back, and neck. He underwent multiple surgeries and now relies on a tracheotomy tube to help him talk and breathe.

Connie Dodson, Lane’s mother, gave a tearful testimony in court Wednesday. She said that her son’s condition has worsened since he was found guilty on December 2nd. She says now, Lane is unable to attend weekly physical therapy or doctor’s appointments.

“What I heard was the department of correction doesn’t have the ability to address those medical needs, which we believe they do,” said Chipman.

During his closing argument, Marc Morrison, Dodson’s attorney asked the judge to give his client 20 years of house arrest.

Prior to sentencing, Judge Bowen said it was clear from forensic evidence that Dodson pulled the trigger that December night.

As a result, Bowen handed Dodson 35 years behind bars.

“Mr. Dodson is exactly what law enforcement fear,” said Chipman.

Following the sentencing hearing, both Dodson’s mother and attorney declined to comment to NewsCenter 16.

Dodson was also sentenced to three years for an intimidation charge he was convicted of, and one year each for two domestic battery charges.

All three of those counts will run concurrently with Count I for Attempted Murder.

Since Dodson is required to serve 75 percent of his sentence, he will be in prison for at least the next 26 years.

In court Dodson made the judge aware that he is planning to file an appeal; something he needs to do within the next 30 days.

Source: WNDU