(WJET/WFXP)– A Detroit man learned he will be spending nearly a decade and a half in prison this week for firing several shots into an occupied car on Erie’s east side nearly a year to the day of his sentencing.

Aaron Thomas, 52, of Detroit, appeared before Judge Pete Sala on Thursday, who sentenced Thomas to 14-28 years in prison for the shooting at the intersection of 13th and Parade streets on March 18, 2025.

Thomas was convicted after a week-long trial in February of two counts of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and one count of possessing a firearm with an altered serial number, with one prosecutor calling the evidence against him overwhelming.

He was found not guilty of one felony and one misdemeanor drug charge.

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Thomas was accused of firing five shots during an incident where police said two vehicles pulled up to the stop sign, with one suspect getting out of their car and shooting five rounds at the other car.

According to the affidavit, one of the female victims had stolen a bag containing a quantity of cash and narcotics and was being hidden by the other female victim.

According to Assistant District Attorney Sam Bohen, Thomas was sentenced to 10-20 years for the attempted homicide charges and 4-8 years for the weapons charges. Bohen added that Judge Sala even made a note that the shooting was nearly a year to the date of his sentencing and gave him one year’s time served.

Bohen said they’re pleased with the outcome of the case and called the sentence a good resolution for the community.

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The two people charged alongside Thomas for the shooting, 34-year-old Caitlin Stetson of Ripley, NY and 33-year-old Avery Hunt of North East, are still awaiting trial, according to online court documents.

Stateson is facing two separate counts of misdemeanor reckless endangerment, while Hunt is facing one count each of misdemeanor possession of a weapon, tampering with evidence and conspiracy to recklessly endanger someone.

Court documents also show prosecutors have withdrawn all felony charges against both women, along with changing or dropping several other misdemeanor charges. Both women will head to trial on April 6.

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