FRANKLIN — An Edinburgh man was convicted for the attempted murder of a police officer, according to a news release by the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office.
The jury unanimously agreed on Tuesday that Joshua Burton attempted to shoot an AR-15-style weapon at Edinburgh Police Officer Clayton Embry during a traffic stop.
The trial started Monday in Johnson Superior Court 2, ending with Tuesday’s jury verdict.
According to court records, Burton had approached Edinburgh Police Officer Sean Pendleton to “lecture the officer about Burton’s belief in the government’s illegitimacy and his bizarre view that Edinburgh officers are foreign invaders.”
After speaking with Pendleton, Burton went to his car and drove through a stop sign. Embry then stopped Burton, and before Embry could get out of his vehicle, Burton charged at the officer with his rifle pointed at him. Burton tried to shoot Embry, but the gun misfired.
Officials said Embry then took Burton into custody.
“No one in Johnson County should have to put up with this behavior, but it was particularly offensive that Burton would ambush a police officer in this manner,” Deputy Prosecutor Bryan Smith said. “We are thankful that Edinburgh officers and their families can rest tonight knowing Mr. Burton has been convicted of this offense.”
“I am pleased to see this dangerous criminal convicted and behind bars where he will stay for the better part of the rest of his life. The defendant in this case tried to kill a police officer,” Johnson County Prosecutor Lance Hamner said. “By the grace of God, the weapon misfired, and the officer was not harmed.”
Burton is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, July 25. He could receive a sentence of 25 to 60 years.
