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Decades-long sentence for road rage shooting and shooting spree at responding police
Judge Ronald Rice told Mallard, "You stole a normal life from Zachary Woods. He will have to live without both eyes, his nasal cavity, because you did not like the way he was driving."
Tuesday, March 14th 2023, 11:17 PM EDT
Updated:

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LIBERTY, Ohio -
"You will never again harm anyone again in society," Trumbull Common Pleas Judge Ronald Rice said before he sentenced Kevin Mallard.
Mallard shot a man whose driving he didn't like then shot at responding police officers with Liberty PD.
The victim's mom forgave Kevin Mallard for shooting her son Zachary Woods in the face and permanently blinding him during a road rage crime spree last June.
Although she expressed her son has forgiven him too, she hoped Mallard would spend the rest of his life in prison.
"I forgave you even though this day will never bring my son's eyesight back, he will receive justice and give Mr. Mallard forgiveness so we can move past this. I pray that God guides you to change your heart," said Nitisha Lee.
The crime spree took place along Belmont Avenue in front of the I-80 exit ramp when Mallard also shot at four responding Liberty police officers.
"You attempted to take our lives, four lives that day but God was on our side, and what God has planned for us you cannot take away,"
said Police Officer Ashley Kitchen.
The defense attorney said Mallard had no prior criminal record, struggles with mental health illness and had attempted suicide in the past. Mallard said he is sorry to the police and his victim.
"I humbly and sincerely apologize for actions taken against Zachary on that day. I don't have a why for why it happened. If I could do it all over again I would. I have said that so many times. I apologize to the police officers and their families involved that day. And to my wife by putting her in harm's way," said Kevin Mallard.
Judge Ronald Rice told Mallard, "You stole a normal life from Zachary Woods. He will have to live without both eyes, his nasal cavity, because you did not like the way he was driving. You got in a shoot-out in the middle of the day in the middle of a street."
The Judge commended the officers for their bravery and service in apprehending Mallard before his shooting rampage cause death and more destruction.
"You are not a person with mental illness who committed a crime because of your mental illness. There are lots of people in this country who suffer from and deal with mental illness daily without guns or violence. You Mr. Mallard are a violent criminal who also has a mental illness," Judge Rice said.
"You will never again harm anyone again in society, and it's my job as a judge to keep people safe in this community," Rice emphasized.
The Judge added this all could have been avoided but too often family members like and others in a person's inner circle do nothing and say nothing even though they know their loved one is sick and acting inappropriately and have a gun.
Your wife was in the car. She knew you had serious mental illness and were acting inappropriately and carrying a gun. She said nothing, took no action and did nothing. She knew you were sick and could have called for help. Her pleading to a charge of felony obstruction is not enough.
The judge said he strongly believes in the Second Amendment right to bear and own arms, but there must be restrictions for people with mental illness as there are for felons.
"We have to pass laws that forbids anyone with diagnosed serious mental disease from owning or having any access to a weapon," Judge Rice said.
Rice pointed out we don't let felons legally own guns.
Kevin Mallard who is 55 years old received a sentence of 68 to 73 and 1/2 years in prison.
Mallard will be able to file an appeal to the sentence.