Hesperia man sentenced for shooting pistol at elderly father.

Ingalls appears in 27th Circuit Court Monday via Zoom conferencing from the Oceana County Jail.

Hesperia man sentenced for shooting pistol at elderly father.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

HART — A 37-year-old Hesperia man was sentenced in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Nov. 29, for pointing and shooting a .22 caliber pistol at his then 71-year-old father in Otto Township last year.

Jacob John Ingalls, of 4900 148th Ave., was sentenced to 370 days in jail with credit for 370 days served.

Ingalls has since received mental health treatment and medication through a state psychiatric forensic center, said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon. “Mental health was a significant factor in this case.”

Ingalls pleaded “no contest” to a felony charge of assault with a dangerous weapon, and in exchange, a felony firearms charge was dismissed.

The incident occurred Nov. 23, 2020, said Judge Robert D. Springstead. Ingalls shot a round at his father’s feet and then pointed the revolver directly at him, said Judge Springstead. He was arrested by the Michigan State Police and lodged in the Oceana County Jail on a $25,000/cash/surety/10 percent bond.

Ingalls’ father asked that his son be allowed to live with him, and the judge denied that request. “This isn’t a situation where the gun was just pointed a gun at somebody — that would be bad enough as it is — this gun was discharged at the guy’s feet. He could have shot his father.

“It’s not very often that someone gets a gun shot at them and still wants to have contact with the individual,” said Springstead. He ordered that Ingalls have no contact with his father, but said he may eventually lift that order if Ingalls stays on track with his probation. He was ordered to two years probation.

The maximum possible term for assault with a dangerous weapon is four years in prison. Sentencing guidelines in the case are 10-23 months.

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