VAN WERT — A Lima man charged with attempted murder related to a home invasion in Van Wert County in March pleaded guilty Thursday to reduced charges.
Stephen Spieldenner, 50, pleaded guilty in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court to single counts of aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony, and felonious assault, a felony of the second degree that includes a firearm specification. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered by Judge Martin Burchfield and sentencing was scheduled for July 16. His bond was continued.
Spieldenner in April pleaded not guilty to attempted murder with a firearm specification and aggravated burglary with a firearm specification, both first-degree felonies, and a second-degree felony charge of felonious assault, also with a firearm specification attached.
Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched on the evening of March 5 in reference to a male subject who forced his way into a residence in Washington Township. The sheriff’s department reported at the time that the intruder, armed with a firearm, attacked a resident in the home. The resident was able to fight off the attacker but not before the man discharged his gun. The resident suffered minor injuries but did not suffer any gunshot wounds.
A warrant was issued for Spieldenner, who authorities said was considered armed and dangerous. He was picked up less than a week later in Fremont without incident and was transported back to the Van Wert County jail.
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