Suspect Sentenced After 2013 Shootout With Police
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A man who shot a police officer during a foot chase last year was sentenced Thursday morning.
Dante Bonner, 20, of Larimer, pleaded guilty back in June to attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer and other charges.
This morning, Bonner was sentenced to 39-78 years in prison.
Bonner's attorney asked for a 20-year sentence this morning, claiming his client has mental health issues and that he has taken responsibility for his actions.
In his victim impact state statement, Officer Chris Kertis said Bonner had no choice but to plead guilty since the shooting was caught on camera. He also told the court Bonner is not remorseful because it was just two months ago when Bonner told him, "I should have killed you."
Kertis then asked for the maximum sentence.
Bonner apologized to all the victims. He said he's made bad decisions and could learn his lesson in 20 years in prison.
Judge Beth Lazzara did not agree and told Bonner his apology was "hollow." Judge Lazzara also said it was just a last ditch effort to avoid a longer sentence.
In March of 2013, Bonner was a passenger in a car that did not stop for police after a traffic violation in Wilkinsburg.
Eventually, officers were able to pull the vehicle over near the intersection of Fifth Avenue and McPherson. With the vehicle stopped, Bonner got out of the car and tried to flee the area.
One of the officers chased after the suspect on foot, while the other detained the remaining three occupants of the vehicle.
While trying to elude the officer, Bonner entered a fenced-in area with no place to escape. At that time, he pulled out a gun and shot at Kertis, striking him in the leg twice.
Officers returned fired and Bonner suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the upper torso.
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