VIDALIA, La. – In Seventh Judicial Court Wednesday, a Jena man was sentenced to 22 1/2 years in connection with the Aug. 18, 2000 shooting of Trooper Mark Davis.

Judge Kathy Johnson gave Victor Barron maximum sentences on both charges stemming from the incident – 20 years for attempted manslaughter and 2 1/2 years for attempted disarming of a peace officer.

&uot;Mr. Barron at least attempted to disarm or, at most, attempted to kill Officer Davis,&uot; Johnson said during the sentencing hearing.

Johnson said she believes Barron knew when Davis stopped his car that he might be arrested for his third driving while intoxicated offense &uot;and that’s why he attempted to escape.&uot;

In handing down the sentence, Johnson said that, among other things, she believes Barron to be a flight risk and a danger to the public.

Barron and his attorney, Derrick Carson, have two years to appeal for post-sentencing relief.

Barron pleaded not guilty in December to attempted first-degree murder, driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest, attempted disarming of an officer and attempted aggravated assault.

A jury on Oct. 5 found Barron guilty of the attempted manslaughter and attempted disarming of a peace officer charges.

During the trial, Carson questioned whether Davis’ pistol could have actually fired if Barron’s hand was on top of it.

He also questioned the accounts of people who testified to what they saw after they stopped at the shooting scene.

After the jury reached its verdict, Johnson ordered a pre-sentencing investigation. During the sentencing trial, she read from the pre-sentencing report and statements by both Davis and Barron.