Waiter Tackles Former Lawyer After Gun Fails During Attempt to Shoot Ex-Wife

A former Ohio lawyer has been convicted of attempted murder after trying to shoot his ex-wife inside a crowded restaurant.

Matthew Exton, 43, carried out the attack at Sabira restaurant in Toledo, Ohio, on April 11, 2025.

Prosecutors said Exton had been drinking at Souk, a neighbouring restaurant, when he spotted his former wife dining with relatives next door.

He entered Sabira and ordered a drink to be sent to their table.

Exton allegedly spat towards the family as he left the restaurant. He later returned with a loaded handgun and walked directly towards his ex-wife.

Surveillance footage shows him pointing the weapon at her from close range and attempting to fire.

The gun failed to discharge because its safety mechanism was still engaged.

As Exton tried to operate the weapon, waiter Tracy Cole Jr. and several customers rushed towards him and wrestled him to the ground.

Police found one bullet inside the gun’s chamber and seven more in the magazine.

During his trial, Exton denied intending to kill his ex-wife.

He claimed he wanted to frighten her into speeding up the sale of a home they previously shared.

A Lucas County jury rejected his defence on September 4, 2026.

The jury found him guilty of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault and several firearm specifications. It acquitted him of another felonious assault charge.

The Ohio Supreme Court suspended Exton’s law licence in May 2025 following the incident.

He could receive up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on September 21, 2026.

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