Man pleads guilty to a level 2 felony on Monday

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Andrew Howard was charged with attempted murder and attempted robbery in connection with the shooting at West Jefferson Apartments back in April.

In April 2018, Mishawaka Police were called to the apartment complex on Liberty Drive around 10:15 p.m. When they arrived, they located Melvin Maefield on the ground with a gunshot wound.

In another part of the parking lot was a Ford Taurus with a shattered back window.

The owner of the Taurus told police Howard wanted to purchase marijuana, so he set up the purchase, reports said.

That evening, two men came to the complex to meet with the driver and Howard.

The alleged seller got into the front passenger seat of the Taurus, the car's owner was in the driver's seat and Howard got into the back passenger side seat, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Howard allegedly pulled out a gun.

When Maefield, who was in another car, saw Howard pull the gun, he pulled his gun and pointed it at Howard, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Howard then shot Maefield and then fled the scene, according to reports.

Maefield was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Two guns and multiple casings were located in the Taurus, according to police.

Howard pleaded guilty to robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, a level 2 felony, on Monday in court according to officials.

If the plea deal is accepted by the court, his other charge of attempted murder will be dismissed at the sentencing hearing.

The sentencing hearing will take place in January 2019, reports said.

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