Suspect in attack against WTHR reporter sentenced to 30 years

FEB. 21 UPDATE: Robert Shelton, the man convicted earlier this month in the July attack against a WTHR reporter, received a 30-year sentence Tuesday.

Shelton was found guilty of one count of attempted robbery resulting in bodily injury, according to online court records. He was also found to be a habitual offender, having previously faced charges of rape, robbery and criminal confinement.  The habitual offender status added 16 years to his sentence.

FEB. 6: Suspect in attack against WTHR reporter convicted

After several months spent awaiting a verdict, WTHR-13 reporter Emily Longnecker described the relief she felt when the man that attacked her in broad daylight last July was convicted.

In a heartfelt letter posted via Facebook, Longnecker paused to thank witnesses, jury members and viewers who had reached out with supportive words following the attack.

"Your words of kindness brought me strength and resolve during some painful moments," she wrote. "It is my continued privilege to serve you and this community with stories that touch your heart, make you think and perhaps spur you into action in some way."

Longnecker was picking up her dry cleaning on July 22 when she was approached by a man, later identified as Robert Shelton, who she said repeatedly punched her in the face while attempting to grab her purse.

Shelton attempted to flee the scene, but several witnesses followed, eventually stopping him near the intersection of New York and Alabama streets.

Shelton was found guilty of one count of attempted robbery resulting in bodily injury, a level three felony, last week, according to the Marion County Prosecutor's Office.

She also took the opportunity to thank a man whose name she never learned, but who made a superhero-like decision that day.

"One of you, no-one ever got your name because you left before police got there, a man in a truck I'm told, stopped in traffic and tackled the suspect, and then went on his way, all I can say is 'Sir, Batman's got nothin' on you,'" Longnecker wrote. "Thank-you from the bottom of my heart."

As of Monday evening, Longnecker's post had received more than 530 likes or reactions on Facebook. Her original post describing the assault has been shared more than 1,800 times.

Shelton also pleaded guilty to a habitual offender enhancement, according to the prosecutor's office. He is scheduled to appear for a sentencing hearing Feb. 21.

Call IndyStar reporter Holly Hays at (317) 444-6156. Follow her on Twitter: @hollyvhays.