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A Lycoming County man who was off his mental health medication and who shot at state troopers in Cogan House Township two years ago will spend the next 44 to 88 years in state prison.
Nakoma J. Ross, 25, was sentenced this week by Lycoming County Judge Nancy L. Butts.
While nobody was injured in the gun standoff in 2021, one bullet struck a state police cruiser. Two more bullets hit Anthony Hainey's residence along Ross Road. Hainey was inside at the time. Ross was arrested April 1, 2021.
"The sentence received by Nakoma Ross is a direct reflection of the diligent and thorough investigative efforts of law enforcement following the incident, the recognition by the jury that Mr. Ross's conduct was intentional and unwarranted and it sends a clear message from the court that conduct of this nature will not be tolerated in Lycoming County," stated District Attorney Ryan Gardner.
Ross told the court he regretted the incident, and Tyler S. Calkins, assistant public defender, said it could have been avoided.
Ross' father said his son had not taken his health medication. He said it was prescribed at too high of a dosage.
Butts said she hoped Ross got the help he needed.
Trooper Robert Jacobs, one of the first to arrive on the scene, testified he thinks of the incident all the time. He does not see himself as a victim because it was his job, he said, according to PennLive.com.
Ross also must pay $8,377 restitution.