Joseph Ryan Morin-Sevrie, age 27, was sentenced this week in Lexington County to 14 years for Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature, Pointing and Presenting a Firearm, and Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime. The sentence was handed down by Chief Administrative Judge Frank R. Addy, Jr. Morin-Sevrie will not be eligible for parole.

Assistant Solicitor Melanie Darko handled the prosecution of this case for our office.

Morin-Sevrie fled from Columbia Police Department, SC officers who responded to a complaint of a man who was armed and acting erratically inside the Walmart on Bush River Road in Columbia. When officers arrived, Morin-Sevrie ran across the parking lot into a gas station. He then exited the gas station and attempted to steal the 76-year-old victim’s vehicle, who was pumping gas at the time. During the brief confrontation, Morin-Sevrie shot the victim in his arm.

Morin-Sevrie continued to flee from law enforcement officers. He pointed his firearm at officers who then returned fire. Fortunately, the officers were not injured during this incident.