INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A man accused of shooting into an Indianapolis police officer’s home wants to be tried outside the area.
March Ratney told a judge on Friday that he believes news reports focusing on his criminal record will prejudice potential jurors.
The Indianapolis Star reports the judge told the 27-year-old Ratney to first talk with his just-appointed public defender.
Ratney has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious felon and criminal recklessness but has not entered a plea.
He is accused of firing at least 15 shots into the home early Tuesday as the officer’s wife and child slept inside. No one was injured.
Ratney was released from prison in June after serving almost half of a 12-year sentence for unlawful firearm possession by a serious felon.