Lake County prosecutors have recommended the maximum sentence for a Willoughby Hills man who shot two city police officers at Classic BMW.
Timmothy Scott Schmidt, 31, was arrested Sept. 28 at the SOM Center Road dealership after shooting the officers, who responded to a 911 call regarding a customer problem.
Schmidt pleaded guilty March 19 in Lake County Common Pleas Court to two counts of felonious assault with a peace officer victim and one count of resisting arrest.
He also pleaded guilty to three seven-year firearm specifications and a one-year firearm specification.
Schmidt now faces up to 45 1/2 years in prison when he is sentenced April 26 by Judge Eugene A. Lucci.
“We are recommending the maximum sentence,” Chief Assistant County Prosecutor Karen Kowall said.
Defense attorney Edward LaRue said he disagrees with the recommendation.
“There is reason to believe he’s been through an awful lot in his life,” LaRue said.
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Although his mental health issues do not meet the threshold of insanity or incompetency, they should be taken into consideration at sentencing, LaRue added.
Schmidt told the judge his reasoning for what occurred that afternoon around 2 p.m.
“I was getting upset with the people at the dealership related to the servicing of my vehicle,” he said. “I was heavily medicated and I was afraid I was going to be locked up in jail without my medicine because I had a warrant out of Garfield Heights. When the officers approached me, I drew my gun and fired.”
Kowall said there will be more charges coming against Schmidt related to items found at his apartment during a search warrant.
Schmidt also was shot during the incident.
The officers involved were later identified as Craig Anderson, a 28-year veteran, and Cory Planisek, a four-year veteran of the department.
Both were released from the hospital in early October and are back at work.
After the hearing, Police Chief Christopher Collins answered questions from multiple news agencies.
“We feel the prosecutor has made a strong case for the maximum sentence,” Collins said. “It sends a strong message to the community that people who want to challenge the police officers and try to harm them or others, that it carries a serious penalty. In the United States, an officer is killed every 52 hours.”
Collins said the injured officers continue to deal with the aftermath of the incident.
“Physically, they’re back to work, but anytime you’re involved in this type of an incident, it takes a psychological (toll), and we’re very concerned,” the chief said. “They have to live with this and I’m sure it goes over and over in their minds.”
The judge has revoked Schmidt’s $5 million cash bond.
