Man accused of shooting at cop's home wants trial moved

A man accused of firing at least 15 shots at an Indianapolis police officer's home and squad car told a judge that he wants his trial moved out of Marion County.

"I would like a change of venue," March Ratney told Marion Superior Court Commissioner James Snyder during a hearing Friday. "I don't feel like I'm going to get a fair trial with all the media reporting my background. That's all they got is my background."

Snyder, who moments before had appointed public defender Mason Riley to the case, told Ratney that was a "good issue" to raise when he meets with his attorney.

Police say Ratney, 27, went to the east-side home of an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer early Tuesday and fired more than a dozen shots at the officer's home and car.

The officer, a 10-year veteran of the force, was home after working a night shift when a bullet whizzed near the window about 2:25 a.m., police said. His wife and child were asleep. No one was injured.

The shooting came just days after a sniper shot and killed five Dallas police officers.

Ratney was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and criminal recklessness. Prosecutors could pursue a habitual offender enhancement because of Ratney's criminal record.

Ratney's criminal past has been the subject of reports in IndyStar and other media.

A week before police say he fired shots at the officer's home, Ratney told his parole officer that "you cops are the devil," according to court documents.

Ratney, prosecutors say, has made repeated threats to law enforcement officers.

Ratney, court records show, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after prosecutors say he was carrying a handgun and threatening to kill police and their families. He was freed from prison June 6 and placed on parole.

On Aug. 17, 2010, according to court records,    Ratney threatened to kill police or die trying as he violently fought with several officers near East Michigan Street and North Gladstone Avenue. Police were arresting Ratney after witnesses said he was riding a bike and shooting a handgun. He called one officer a "cracker" and referred to police as "pigs," records say.

He told them "he would be by all of the officers' residences to kill their families," according to a probable cause affidavit filed in the 2010 case.

On Friday, Ratney answered "Yes, sir," and "Yes, your honor," in response to questions from Snyder.

Ratney said he worked at Goodwill Industries and earned $7.50 an hour.

Snyder asked Ratney if he had a savings account or owned property.

"I just did 5½  years in the joint," Ratney answered. "I don't own nothing but me and I don't own me anymore."

The hearing was over in about seven minutes. Deputies took Ratney back to the Marion County Jail, where he remained held without bond.

He is scheduled to be back in court Oct. 20. Ratney's jury trial was scheduled for Dec. 1.

Call IndyStar reporter Vic Ryckaert at (317) 444-2701. Follow him on Twitter: @vicryc.

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