Fort Wayne, Indiana – A man who opened fire on an Uber carrying his pregnant girlfriend as she tried to get away from him after a heated argument has learned his punishment, bringing closure to a case that shocked the community earlier this year.
Authorities said Michael Ward, who admitted to firing multiple rounds from an AR-style rifle at the vehicle on April 17, has been sentenced to six years in prison. The incident unfolded just before 8:55 a.m., moments after the woman attempted to flee the home in a rideshare vehicle.
She told investigators she feared for her life, especially after Ward allegedly warned her, “I’m going to get my gun and cash out,” a statement police said amounted to a direct threat. As she entered the Uber, Ward reportedly retrieved his weapon and opened fire.
Incident Overview
Police reports and a probable cause affidavit state that Ward had been sitting in a Buick LeSabre when the Uber—a Jeep Wrangler—arrived to pick up his girlfriend. As soon as the vehicle pulled in, Ward allegedly stepped out, armed himself, and pointed the rifle at both the driver and his girlfriend.
Investigators say he fired approximately three rounds toward the Jeep. The shots shattered the rear window and flattened the rear passenger-side tire. Officers later recovered three shell casings at the scene consistent with the attack.
The victim told authorities she had been in a relationship with Ward for about a year and that he fully knew she was pregnant at the time of the shooting. She described being terrified during the attack and called for help as the Uber driver sped away to safety.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Ward was initially charged with attempted murder and multiple gun-related offenses following the shooting. However, court documents show he entered a plea agreement last month, reducing the charges to criminal recklessness, a move that significantly lowered the potential sentence.
Under the plea deal, the maximum sentence Ward could receive was six years, which is exactly what the court imposed during Thursday’s hearing. Records also indicate he will receive credit for seven days of time served.
Prosecutors described the case as a clear example of escalating domestic violence that could have turned deadly. The Uber driver, who was targeted alongside the victim, was not injured but provided detailed statements confirming the sequence of events.
What the Affidavit Revealed
According to the affidavit obtained by local outlets:
“The defendant shot approximately three rounds toward the vehicle. The gunshots broke out the rear window and flattened the rear passenger-side tire.”
The document further asserts that Ward’s actions showed intent to harm, particularly given his earlier verbal threat and the deliberate retrieval of the AR-style rifle.
The shooting triggered an immediate police response, and officers quickly located Ward. His arrest and later admission of firing the shots formed the central evidence behind the conviction.
Community and Safety Context
Domestic violence advocates note that incidents involving firearms pose an especially high risk of severe injury or death. Studies show that when a gun is present in a domestic violence situation, the risk of homicide increases dramatically. Law enforcement officials continue to encourage individuals experiencing threats from partners to seek protective resources immediately.
Uber has previously emphasized driver safety protocols and the importance of reporting violent incidents. In this case, both the driver and passenger managed to escape without physical injuries, though authorities described the emotional impact as significant.
Conclusion
With Ward now sentenced, the case stands as a sobering reminder of how quickly domestic conflict can escalate into life-threatening violence. Officials hope the resolution brings some sense of security to the victim as she continues her pregnancy and seeks protection moving forward.
Residents with information about domestic violence or who need assistance are encouraged to contact local support services or law enforcement.
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