Bar gunfire nets probation for wounded soldier

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A central Indiana soldier who lost part of his leg during an attack in Afghanistan has been sentenced to a year of supervised probation for a firearms charge in connection with gunfire at a bar.

A Tippecanoe County jury convicted Eric Braman of misdemeanor handgun possession without a license but acquitted him of more serious charges for firing a gun outside a Lafayette bar in August 2011 the day before a planned homecoming parade for him. One man was wounded by debris.

The Journal & Courier reports Judge Gregory Donat said he believed Braman reacted like a soldier on alert and ordered him to not drink alcohol or visit bars while on probation.

Braman told the judge he’s been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and is seeing therapists.