Heath man sentence to five years in jail in connection with 2020 incident with gun
GREENFIELD – A Franklin County man who became heavily intoxicated and subsequently terrorized two friends by chasing them through the woods while firing shots from a gun was sentenced to five years in jail today at a change of plea hearing.
Olin Schwenger-Sartz, 39, of Heath, submitted to the facts that would have been proven at trial and was found guilty by Superior Court Judge Mark Mason of 10 charges including two counts of armed assault with intent to murder, assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a loaded firearm while intoxicated.
The incident unfolded on the night of Oct. 4, 2020, after Schwenger-Sartz was discovered by a tenant passed out in his home. Concerned about his well-being, the tenant then reached out for help from a friend. Two friends showed up at the home, where they tried to help Schwenger-Sartz, who then became highly agitated, grabbed a gun and threatened to kill them. They ran into the nearby woods each of them hiding and fearing for their lives as Schwenger-Sartz yelled that he intended to kill them while firing multiple shots from both a handgun and a shotgun. While they called 911, Schwenger-Sartz searched for them using an ATV and his truck. When State Police troopers arrived, he drove at them in the roadway and refused to surrender, ultimately required the use of a taser to subdue him.
The victims in the case each either submitted a written statement or verbally addressed the judge describing how traumatizing and life-altering the incident was and how they continue to suffer from the impact of the trauma.
Northwestern Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Suhl had recommended a sentence of 5 years in state prison followed by two years of probation, while defense attorney David Rountree recommended a sentence of probation during which time the defendant would receive treatment.
Mason imposed a sentence of 5 years in the House of Correction followed by two years of probation with conditions including that he have no contact with the victims, participate in mental health and substance abuse treatment, refrain from using drugs including alcohol, submit to drug testing, wear a sobrietor device for a year, and not possess any firearms or ammunition.
“Given the seriousness of the crime, we felt a significant term of incarceration and strict conditions of probation were warranted,” said Suhl. “The victims should be commended for their courage during this terrifying, life-threatening incident. Hopefully today’s convictions and sentence can assist them in their continued healing.”