Muncie man convicted of attempted murder after opening fire on Delaware County police officers

DELAWARE COUNTY, Ind. — A Muncie man was convicted of attempted murder and other criminal charges after shooting three Delaware County sheriff's deputies in June 2023.

The Delaware County District Attorney's Office announced Thursday that Tarron Conwell, 20, was found guilty in a jury trial of the following charges:

• Three counts of attempted murder, level 1 felony
• Criminal recklessness, level 5 felony
• Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun, Level 5 Felony
• Resisting law enforcement, level 6 felony

Delaware County District Attorney Eric Hoffman said he would never tolerate “acts of violence” against law enforcement.

“Police officers form the thin blue line that separates criminals from their future criminals.
victims. In doing so, they regularly put their lives at risk so that we can live in a civilized world.
and a safe society,” Hoffman said. “Officers have the absolute right to defend their own lives so they can return home at the end of their shift. If you choose to fire a gun at a police officer, you do so at your own risk. As a prosecutor, I will not tolerate acts of violence against the law
enforcement.”

Each Level 1 felony count carries a prison sentence of between 20 and 40 years and a $10,000 fine. Meanwhile, Level 5 felonies in Indiana carry a sentence of one to six years, while a Level 6 felony can carry a sentence of six months or two and a half years in prison.

On June 23, 2023, DCSO officers were attempting to locate Conwell for his alleged role in an unspecified prior crime. When authorities arrived at a residence in the 3000 block of Mock Avenue, they saw Conwell fleeing on foot before pulling out a concealed handgun and firing multiple shots at responding officers.

One of the patrol cars identified by deputies was damaged by the gunfire, but none of the deputies were injured during the altercation.

Court documents say deputies found additional firearms and a substance suspected to be marijuana after executing a search warrant at the home.

While Conwell was awaiting jury trial at the Delaware County Jail, earlier reports indicate that he allegedly struck an officer in the face with his hand and “knocked off his prescription glasses.” Correctional officers said Conwell was upset about a tray of food he was given and insisted on a new one.

Conwell is scheduled to be sentenced July 24 in Delaware Circuit Court 1.