A Clark County man was sentenced to 10 years in prison Thursday after breaking into his estranged wife’s house in April and shooting at her.
Joseph Clower, 41, previously pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary, first-degree unlawful imprisonment and first-degree wanton endangerment for the April 4 incident on Old Ruckerville Road. He will serve 10 years for burglary and one year each for the other charges. All sentences will run concurrently for a total of 10 years.
In previous court hearings, Melissa Clower said she was home that morning when she heard the dogs barking and saw Joseph Clower’s truck parked outside. She said they spent much of the previous weekend fighting with Joseph Clower, which ended with her telling him to get his things and leave.
On April 4, she said she was getting ready for work when he forced his way into the home. She said he assaulted her several times and pointed a gun at her head. She said he fired a shot in her direction, which missed her but lodged in a kitchen drawer.
She said he made her sit on the couch until he finally allowed her to leave. She said she called for help as soon as she had service for her cell phone.
Deputies found two bullet holes inside the home and signs of a struggle.
Joseph Clower remained at large for two days before he was arrested for attempted murder and first-degree burglary. He was not indicted for attempted murder, and the burglary charge was reduced as part of the plea agreement.
Contact Fred Petke at fpetke@winchestersun.com.
