Man sentenced for his part in attack of MSP trooper

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- Michael Barber, one of the two brothers accused of attacking a Michigan State Trooper in February 2017 was in court Wednesday to be sentenced.

The judge announced Barber will spend at least the next 10 years in prison after being found guilty of his part in the attack. 

The courtroom was packed, with Barber's family, the trooper he attacked, and some of the trooper's colleagues all in attendance.

Before being taken out of the courtroom, Barber asked the judge if he could make a statement.

“Trooper Gill, I just want to say I’m sorry for what happened. I know I should’ve never been on the motorcycle. I should’ve never shot a gun. All of this was a terrible, terrible decision on my part and I take full responsibility for it. I put you in danger, myself, and everyone around me. And after I crashed, things steamrolled as you know, but I didn’t plan for any of that to happen. And I’m sorry it did happen," said Barber.

This all stems from an incident in February, when Trooper Gill was chasing Barber on a motorcycle. Barber eventually crashed, at which time Barber began to attack Trooper Gill. 

Barber's brother Travis Wise allegedly joined in on the attack. Wise is due to be in court on July 5 for a status conference on his competency evaluation.