April 23rd, 2025

            Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler said his office was contacted on Wednesday April 23rd, 2025 at approximately 7:44 P.M. of a possible shooting incident in the Wayton area. The caller said she was riding in a vehicle when a man apparently shot through the windshield of the vehicle. Two adults and a 5-year-old child were inside. The caller stated the man who shot at them was Aaron Lee Wade, aged 36 of Wayton.

            Sheriff's Office Personnel responded to the scene and located the suspect. Mr. Wade stated he did not actually shoot at the vehicle, but threw a large rock into the windshield as they drove by. Mr. Wade had recognized the vehicle as belonging to someone he was upset with. He thought he was attacking the owner, when instead, it was the two adults who had borrowed the truck and the child inside.        

            When deputies went to where the victims were located, it was also reported that Mr. Wade had shot at the owner of the truck approximately three weeks prior while following the man down the highway, striking the rear of the vehicle. Damage from the previous shooting and damage from the April 23rd incidents were located. Upon further questioning, Mr. Wade admitted to the earlier shooting in addition to throwing the rock at the moving vehicle. A firearm that Wade said was used in the earlier shooting was seized at the scene.

            "Mr. Wade's actions show extreme recklessness and disregard for the safety of others," Sheriff Wheeler said. "Firing a gun at someone in a vehicle while both the victim and Mr. Wade were driving down the road, and with other vehicles around, was not only reckless toward the other driver, but the public in general. Then, tonight, the actions he took at a moving vehicle that had innocent people inside - not even who he was looking to hurt - shows his lack of character and lack of regard for human life. There was a 5-year-old child in that truck that could have easily been severely injured or killed!"

            Mr. Wade was taken into custody on several charges; From the earlier incident, Wade was charged with Committing a Terroristic Act, a Class B Felony, Aggravated Assault, a Class D Felony, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm From a Vehicle in the 2nd Degree, a Class B Felony, Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree, a Class D Felony and Committing a Felony With a Firearm Sentencing Enhancement.

            From the April 23rd Incident, Wade was charged with Committing a Terroristic Act, a Class B Felony, three counts of Aggravated Assault, Class D Felonies, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the 2nd Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor, and Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree, a Class D Felony.

            Wade was transported to the Newton County Jail where he will be held and will appear before a judge before a bond is set.