MEMPHIS (CN) - A former soldier was found guilty last week of attempting to murder four at a National Guard armory outside of Memphis, the U.S. Justice Department announced.
Amos Patton, 43, was convicted after a six-day trial of four counts of assault with intent to commit murder. Patton was accused of attempting to open fire on the armory Oct. 24, 2013 after being told he was relieved of duty due to misconduct, the department said.
"Following to the meeting, Patton was directed to return government equipment believed to be in his government vehicle. When he returned from the car, Patton had in his possession a 'fanny pack.' The fanny pack contained a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun and fifty extra rounds of ammunition," a release from the agency states. "When Patton attempted to pull the handgun from the pack, one of the Tennessee Army National Guardsmen yelled a warning."
Patton fired his gun six times and wounded three army personnel before he ran from the building and was eventually subdued. The soldiers held him until Millington, Tenn. police arrived and took Patton into custody.
U.S. Attorney Edward Stanton III said in a statement that the situation could have gone from bad to worse.
"The jury's verdict holds Amos Patton accountable for his acts of violence committed upon his fellow soldiers," Stanton said. "Patton's actions were destructive enough, but they had the real potential to result in an even greater tragedy."
Patton's sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 28.
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