Man accused of shooting at Excise police officer found guilty of attempted murder

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. - The man accused of shooting at an Indiana State Police Excise Officer in September of 2022 was found guilty of attempted murder, according to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office.

The judge presiding over the case also found Ian Austin guilty of a firearm enhancement, according to court documents.

On September 29, 2022, Austin fired multiple shots at Excise Officer Joseph Formato as he was in his police vehicle while on duty near Rockne Drive and Jacob Street, police reports state.

Formato was trying to pull Austin over for a traffic violation when Austin got out of his own vehicle and began firing.

The judge dismissed his charges for battery by means of a deadly weapon and criminal recklessness.

Austin’s sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.