Mistrial declared for man charged with shooting trucker that allegedly tried to run over his father

A mistrial has been declared for a man charged with attempted murder and more after a truck driver allegedly tried to run over his dad. 

The incident happened back in August of 2022 near Crown Point, Indiana. The mistrial was declared on Monday, August 4th, 2025.

According to The Chicago Tribune, 29-year-old Paul Sloat is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery, battery by means of a deadly weapon and battery resulting in serious bodily injury for an incident involving a truck driver. 

Sloat and his father were reportedly turning onto 5100 Melton Road when the truck driver went around them, clipping their side mirror. The two men eventually confronted the truck driver at a stop light, where Sloat’s father stood in front of the semi truck. The 64-year-old truck driver then attempted to leave the scene, which Sloat interpreted as trying to run his father over. Sloat then jumped on the truck hood and fired about five shots, hitting the truck driver in the chest and shoulder. 

The truck driver was able to leave the scene and seek refuge at an Indiana Department of Transportation building, where he got help. The driver eventually told police that he didn’t think he was following too closely, and did not realize he had clipped the mirror. The truck driver survived his injuries. 

The confrontation was caught on video, which has not been released. 

On Monday, Sloat’s lawyer, Scott King, asked Judge Gina Jones for a mistrial after he interviewed a juror on the stand and discovered that she had told other jurors she was not able to be “fair and impartial” in regards to the trial, and did not want to miss an appointment she had later in the week. Deputy Prosecutor Judy Massa agreed with King’s request, and a mistrial was declared. 

The trial has been rescheduled for October 14th. 

Sloat is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery, battery by means of a deadly weapon, and battery resulting in serious bodily injury. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.