By DEBRA HAIGHT

Special to Leader Publications

A jury of eight women and six men began hearing testimony Wednesday afternoon in the trial of Michael Scott Barber. Barber is accused of attacking Michigan State Police Trooper Garry Guild earlier this year during a traffic stop on the U.S. 31 freeway south of Berrien Springs.

Barber, 21, of Mishawaka, is charged with six counts including assault with intent to murder, attempting to disarm a police officer and receiving, concealing and possession of stolen property. The trial is expected to continue Thursday in Berrien County Trial Court in Niles.

The incident occurred Feb. 20 when Guild saw Barber speeding southbound on a motorcycle on the freeway. Barber eventually stopped and then began attacking Guild as he tried to arrest him. The motorcycle later was found to be stolen out of Van Buren County.

Barber’s half-brother, Travis Tyler Wise, then allegedly stopped and joined in the attack on Guild. Wise’s trial has been delayed pending a forensic examination of whether he is
competent to stand trial.

In opening statements Wednesday, Assistant Prosecutor Gerald Vigansky went over all the events of that day and noted that Guild’s 21-year career as a trooper almost came to a tragic end that day.

Defense attorney Scott Sanford painted a different picture.

“My client certainly committed some wrongs, but he didn’t intend to kill or strangle the trooper,” Sanford said.

Guild was the only witness to testify Wednesday. He recalled the events that occurred the morning of Feb. 20, from the time he clocked Barber going 92 miles an hour down the freeway. Eventually, Guild was able to handcuff Barber after a struggle and other officers came.

“He was not complying and coming toward me,” Guild said of the start of his encounter with Barber after Barber crashed the motorcycle. “My concern was if he had a weapon. I didn’t see anything so I went to holster my weapon … but he was so quick and on me.”

Guild went on to testify about how Wise came up from behind and started choking him.

“I had no idea where he came from. He had his arm going around my neck,” Guild said. “I was in shock. I could physically hear myself struggling to breathe. My breathing was labored and heavy … At the same time, the defendant was still fighting with me.”

He reported that he was able to get control of the situation after two “good Samaritans” stopped and came to his rescue. Those two men, Keith Pepple and Jerry Burnham, are also scheduled to testify.