An Emmett man was sentenced Friday to serve up to 54 years in prison for aggravated battery on a police officer and multiple grand thefts and burglaries. A news release from the Ada County Prosecutor's Office says the crimes Matthew Kelly, 21, impacted over 20 people.
In July 2020, Kelly was arrested after stealing a motorcycle, eluding law enforcement and then firing a gun at responding Eagle City Police Officer Brandon Austin. Two of the rounds Kelly fired at Austin wounded him.
Kelly was charged with felony aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, grand theft and eluding a peace officer, in addition to multiple burglary charges in a separate case. The release says Kelly pleaded guilty to aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and multiple grand theft and burglary charges.
“For Officer Austin’s courage, valor and sacrifice in the line of duty, you and your family have our deepest gratitude,” said Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts. “Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe. July 13, 2020, was a somber reminder of that.”
For all his charges, Ada County District Judge Jonathan Medema sentenced Kelly to 54 years in prison, with 35 to be served before being eligible for parole.
“I want to thank Ada County prosecutors for their hard work and dedication in their pursuit of justice for Brandon. We appreciate it more than you can ever know. I want to thank Judge Medema for his thorough, thoughtful, and fair application of justice in this case,” said Ada County Sheriff Steve Bartlett. “I also want to thank every member of our community who supports Brandon and the rest of our agency. We are humbled to be allowed to serve such excellent people. You all have my deepest gratitude.”
