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http://www.dailyitem.com/0100_news/local_story_170003058.htmlLEWISBURG -- A Media man said he was defending his family business when he fired a handgun at four adults who were changing a baby's diaper outside his Allenwood gas station two years ago.
Just as Sudhir Kumar, 45, was set to go on trial for terroristic threats, simple assault and reckless endangerment, he entered a no-contest plea to the terrorist threat charge Tuesday in Union County Court.
"He believes he was justified," said Union County District Attorney D. Peter Johnson.
Kumar was originally charged with felony criminal attempt to commit homicide and aggravated assault for firing a 9-mm pistol at a group of people on June 20, 2006, at the 24/7 Truck Stop Fuel Food Market on Route 15 in Allenwood.
Nolan Proctor, Michael Kimler, Troy Matty, Tara Proctor and her 7-month-old daughter were around a car at the truck stop changing the infant's diaper when Kumar came out of his business and asked them to leave.
Kumar allegedly went back into the store and returned with a handgun, fired a shot in their general direction and threatened to kill them.
Before the scheduled trial, Johnson withdrew the felony attempted homicide and aggravated assault charges.
On Tuesday, Kumar pleaded no-contest to terroristic threats and told Judge Louise O. Knight, "I fired to get them to leave, in order to save my wife, family and property."
In exchange for the plea, Kumar will be fined $10,000, serve one year of house arrest and 48 months on probation.
Kumar, who no longer owns the truck stop, must also forfeit the handgun.