Alexander Jackson

WARSAW — Alexander Jackson, Syracuse, will serve 13 1/2 years in prison after receiving his sentencing today, June 30, for charges stemming from two incidents of road rage last year. He was sentenced to a total of 23 1/2 years, with 10 years to be served on probation.

On July 27, 2016, Jackson chased a vehicle for 10 miles on a stretch of SR 13. Jackson rammed into the vehicle multiple times and shot at the vehicle. Jackson also rammed into the vehicle of Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Deputy Donald McCune as he attempted to stop Jackson.

Jackson faced additional charges in September 2016 after intentionally veering into a driver’s lane of traffic, coming directly toward him. The victim had to swerve out of the way to avoid Jackson.

It was an emotional day in the courtroom as Jackson was sentenced at the Elkhart County Superior Court. Many family members and friends attended the sentencing to show support with several individuals speaking on the defendant’s behalf.

Jackson’s stepmother Lynnette Jackson took the stand during the sentencing. Lynnette stated Jackson’s wife and two daughters need him at home and implored the judge not to send Jackson to prison.

“Alex’s behavior a year ago is not what we know him to be like,” said Lynnette.

Jackson’s pastor at North Webster Church of God Jeff Boyer also spoke on Jackson’s behalf. Boyer stated he had spoken to Jackson following the incident in July.

Boyer indicated the shooting was not “being in character with Alex.” He stated Jackson had shown remorse for his actions and had taken responsibility. Boyer said he believed the contributing factor to the incident was alcohol. Boyer mentioned Jackson has been enrolled in a counseling program and had met with Boyer for spiritual counsel after the incident in July.

Thomas Jackson, Jackson’s grandfather, then spoke of his behalf. Thomas choked up as he talked about his impression of Jackson.

“He treated us with much respect,” said Thomas.

Thomas stated incarceration would be a hardship on Jackson’s wife and children and asked that he be spared from serving time.

“I realize he made a mistake, but he isn’t a bad person,” said Thomas.

Jackson’s attorney Donald Swanson stated alcohol clearly played a large role in the July incident. Swanson stated Jackson had trouble recounting the events of the road rage in July because he had been under the influence of alcohol.

Swanson advised that Jackson had accepted responsibility and had been receiving treatment for his addiction to alcohol. He mentioned his client had received an evaluation stating he would have to completely abstain from alcohol. Swanson indicated substantial rehabilitative efforts have been made and advised putting Jackson in a work release program.

Jackson himself took the stand and apologized for his actions. He stated he recognized he has a problem with alcohol and he will not be able to drink anymore.

“After the events that happened that day, I saw how far off track I was,” said Jackson, “My wife and my girls are my life…I’d like to be able to help them if possible.”

Deputy Prosector Laura Bird had the victim of the July incident recount what occurred that day. The victim had been driving the vehicle that Jackson chased down on SR 13.

The victim said he continues to deal with injuries from the accident including a permanently dislocated hip, which needs to be replaced. The vehicle’s passenger sustained whiplash and glass in his eye.

The victim noted his ex-wife is the sister of Jackson’s wife. He stated before the incident in July, he had not spoken with Jackson for a few years and had only seen him in passing on occasion. He indicated he was unsure of the motive for Jackson’s actions. He said the two had dealt with disagreements in the past, which was why they had chosen not to speak for the last few years.

“I think he needs to pay for his actions,” said the victim.

Bird indicated the victims from the September incident had planned to testify, however, due to complications with their unborn child, they decided not to attend.

McCune also declined to testify during the sentencing.

Bird mentioned that even though testimonies had indicated Jackson had changed after he had woken up in the hospital in July, only a month and a half later he had made a poor choice again to attempt to strike a victim with his vehicle.

Judge Stephen Bowers stated he believed Jackson to be remorseful, the events were “Incredibly violent and caused danger to many people involved.”

Bowers noted, “Your wake up call should have happened long before you woke up in the hospital.”

Jackson pled guilty to aggravated battery, battery causing bodily injury to a law enforcement officer, resisting law enforcement and criminal recklessness in the first case. In the second case, he pled guilty to intimidation with a deadly weapon and invasion of privacy.