A woman’s attempt to get away from her husband turned into a harrowing escape when bullets shattered the car’s rear window and left a tire blown out.

Prosecutors Allege Targeted Attack Amid Domestic Turmoil

A 30-year-old man from Fort Wayne, Indiana is facing serious charges after allegedly firing multiple rounds at his wife while she was inside a moving Uber. The incident, which unfolded on April 17, has sent shockwaves through the community and raised alarms over the escalating violence in domestic relationships.

Michael Eugene Ward Jr. is now charged with attempted murder, criminal recklessness, and carrying a handgun without a license. According to court filings, he opened fire just as the Uber carrying his wife passed him on the street.

The rounds tore through the back window and deflated a tire. Nobody was hurt, but prosecutors say the intent was crystal clear.

A Chilling Encounter on a Quiet Street

It wasn’t just a random outburst, authorities say. Hours before the shots rang out, Ward reportedly made a statement to his wife that she believed was a threat to her life. That chilling warning came before she booked the Uber to get away from him.

When the vehicle drove past Ward, he allegedly raised a firearm and opened fire without hesitation. It was midday, broad daylight, and in a residential area — yet that didn’t seem to stop him.

One sentence in the police affidavit stood out like a slap to the face: “She believed he intended to kill her.”

The Uber driver, likely caught completely off guard, managed to keep the vehicle steady long enough to get her out of harm’s way. The couple had been having ongoing issues, though details of their marital history weren’t fully disclosed in court filings.

Multiple Charges Filed as Investigation Unfolds

The Allen County Prosecutor’s Office didn’t waste time pressing charges. Ward is now facing:

• Attempted Murder – considered a Level 1 felony in Indiana, with a possible sentence of 20 to 40 years.

• Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon – a Level 5 felony.

• Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun – a misdemeanor offense.

Police say the gun used in the shooting hasn’t yet been recovered. Ward was arrested later that day and remains in custody at the Allen County Jail without bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday.

Here’s a snapshot of the legal charges and their potential penalties in Indiana:

Domestic Violence Victims Often Flee—But It’s Not Always Enough

What happened in Fort Wayne fits a larger pattern. Women trying to escape abusive partners often face the most danger during the act of leaving. That’s when tensions hit a breaking point—and violence can explode.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women in the U.S. experiences intimate partner violence. The most lethal moment? It’s the departure. Leaving an abuser increases the risk of homicide by up to 75%, according to advocacy groups.

That statistic hangs heavily over this case.

The Uber ride was supposed to offer a sliver of safety. A moving vehicle, a neutral third party, daylight. But none of that mattered in those terrifying seconds.

Uber Driver Escapes Injury—But Likely Scarred

The Uber driver, whose identity has not been made public, was not injured. But the trauma of having bullets flying past your head as you drive a stranger through a domestic minefield is not something that just fades away.

According to Uber’s own safety transparency report, there have been hundreds of safety-related incidents involving third-party conflict in rides. But this case adds a new dimension—gunfire directed at a passenger during the ride.

Police have not said whether the driver will receive counseling or support from the company, though community organizations have offered resources.

Ward’s Legal Team Yet to Comment

Ward’s attorney has not issued a public statement yet. But legal experts say he’ll likely plead not guilty at Wednesday’s hearing. That kicks off what could be a long legal process.

One sentence.

If convicted on all charges, Ward could spend the bulk of his adult life behind bars.

Prosecutors are expected to argue that his actions were premeditated, spurred by rage and fear of losing control. They’ll likely lean hard on the earlier threat as proof that this wasn’t some spur-of-the-moment decision.

Community Reacts with Shock and Outrage

People in Fort Wayne have been quick to react.

On social media, locals have shared shock and anger. One user wrote, “She was in an Uber. That’s supposed to be safe. This is terrifying.”

Others called for stronger protections for victims trying to escape abusive situations, including anonymous transport services and better tracking of firearm ownership in domestic abuse cases.

The neighborhood where the shooting happened has also seen increased patrols in the days since, as police reassure residents this was an isolated incident.

Another short one.

But the scars may linger.