A Heath man admitted in court Tuesday that he chased two friends in the woods and opened fire on them while under the influence of alcohol, the Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan’s office said.
Olin Schwenger-Saartz, 39, pleaded guilty Tuesday to 10 charges, including two counts of armed assault with intent to murder, assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a loaded firearm while intoxicated. He was sentenced to five years in prison. He initially pleaded not guilty.
According to the DA, the incident occurred on October 4, 2020, when a tenant found Schwenger-Saartz unconscious in her home. Concerned about Schwenger-Saartz’s well-being, the tenant reached out to a friend to help the man.
Sullivan’s office said, “Two friends appeared at the house, where they tried to help Schwanger-Saartz, who then became highly agitated, grabbed a gun and threatened to kill them.” “They fled into the nearby woods, each of them hiding and fearing for their lives as Schwenger-Saartz shouted that he intended to kill them while firing several shots from both a handgun and a shotgun.”
As the two friends called 911, Schwenger-Sartz discovered them with an ATV and his truck. State police troops eventually arrived and Schwenger-Saartz attacked the troops in the roadway and refused to surrender. Officials said troopers used a Taser to subdue him.
Superior Court Judge Mark Mason sentenced Schwenger-Saartz to five years in prison, followed by two years of probation with conditions that she have no contact with victims, attend mental health and substance abuse treatment , abstain from using drugs including alcohol, submit to drug testing, wear an alcohol-monitoring device for one year and not possess any firearms or ammunition.
“Given the seriousness of the offense, we felt that a significant term of imprisonment and stricter terms of probation were warranted,” said Northwestern Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Suhl. “The victims’ courage during this horrific, life-threatening incident should be commended. Hopefully, today’s sentencing and sentencing can assist them in their continued healing.”
