Probation granted for South Elm St. shooting suspect

Probation was granted Wednesday morning in Christian Circuit Court for the man who recently accepted a plea deal in connection with a July shooting incident at West First and South Elm Street in Hopkinsville.

Michael Croney pled guilty in October to attempted first-degree assault and two counts of wanton endangerment as part of a deal that came with a recommended 3-year sentence.

The Hopkinsville Police Department arrested Croney and 24-year old Toddarius Polk of Hopkinsville for attempted assault and wanton endangerment on July 7. Police allege multiple shots were fired toward a moving and occupied vehicle during an altercation that morning, with the victim able to drive away uninjured to call police.

Two of the rounds struck the vehicle, with one shattering a window and the other hitting the rear of the car.

Defense attorney Jason Holland asked Circuit Judge John Atkins to probate the sentence, noting Croney is the caretaker of his girlfriend who has serious medical issues.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling opposed probation for Croney, saying he’s had violations of conditions of release while awaiting sentencing. Davis McGregor with Probation and Parole confirmed to the judge the violations have been Croney being in places he shouldn’t such as liquor stores, where he said he was purchasing lottery tickets.

Judge Atkins probated the three-year sentence, but added a condition that he not gamble.

Polk is still out on bond, awaiting trial.