Matthew Payne

KOSCIUSKO — A Winona Lake man was sentenced today, Wednesday, April 18, in Kosciusko Superior Two Court after pointing a handgun at four individuals.

Matthew Payne, 2607 Huffman St., Winona Lake, was charged with two counts of pointing a firearm, both level 6 felonies.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Nov. 5, 2017, officers responded to a report of a subject pointing a handgun at individuals and firing a gun into the air.

A male subject stated his girlfriend and her two children went to Payne’s residence to check on a child. Upon their arrival, Payne exited the residence with a handgun, shot into the air, then pointed the firearm at the individuals.

Defense attorney John Barrett said that after hearing many cases, the court becomes familiar with understanding who is truly remorseful and who isn’t.

“And today, Mr. Payne’s statement of remorse is certainly real,” Barrett said.

“On the day of this incident, I reacted badly,” Payne said. “I hope you will be fair in your judgment and I hope to put this all behind me.”

Judge Torrey Bauer sentenced Payne to four years in the Kosciusko County Jail. Two years of that sentence will be served on probation. A no contact order was also set for the victims.

“There are better choices, but there are also worse decisions you could’ve made in the situation,” Bauer said.