An Indiana man could spend up to six years in prison after admitting to firing gunshots at his pregnant wife earlier this year. The plea deal removes more serious charges, including attempted murder, that were initially filed after the incident.
According to court records, Michael E. Ward Jr. pleaded guilty to one count of criminal recklessness, a Level 5 felony. Under the terms of the plea agreement, his charges for attempted murder and unlawful carrying of a handgun will be dismissed. Ward signed the agreement on October 31, and it now awaits formal approval from a judge.
The Fort Wayne Police Department reported that officers responded to a call about a shooting near Stophlet Avenue and College Avenue around 8:52 a.m. on April 17, 2025. When police arrived, they found Ward’s partner—who was pregnant at the time—visibly shaken but unharmed.
The woman told investigators she had ordered an Uber that morning and was seated in the back passenger seat when the vehicle began to drive away. She noticed Ward sitting in his car parked on the side of the road. As the Uber passed, she saw him get out of his car holding what appeared to be an AR-style short-barreled rifle.
According to police documents, Ward pointed the weapon toward the Uber and fired three rounds, shattering the rear window and flattening the rear passenger-side tire. Miraculously, neither the woman nor the Uber driver was injured in the attack.
The woman told police that earlier that morning, Ward had threatened her during an argument, saying, “Fine then, I’m going to get my gun and cash out.” She interpreted the statement as a threat to her life. After the shooting, Ward fled the scene but was located by police later that afternoon, around 4:30 p.m.
Officers noted that he appeared to be under the influence of drugs at the time of his arrest. Prosecutors agreed to the reduced charge in exchange for Ward’s guilty plea, which spares the victim from testifying in a full trial. If the judge accepts the deal, Ward faces up to six years in prison when sentenced on December 4.
Court documents did not indicate any prior convictions for Ward. The case has drawn local attention due to the severity of the violence and the fact that the victim, now several months pregnant, narrowly avoided serious injury. Police have not released further details on her current condition.