National Guard recruiter convicted in armory shooting

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - A jury has convicted a Tennessee National Guard recruiter who wounded three superiors when he opened fire at an armory in October 2013.

The jury rejected Amos Patton's claim that he was trying to kill himself and started firing wildly only after another Guardsman grabbed him from behind and wrestled him to the ground.

Prosecutors say Patton, a sergeant first class, pulled a gun from a fanny pack and began shooting after he was told he was being relieved of duty and dismissed from active service for alleged misconduct, CBS affiliate WREG reported.

Patton was found guilty of nine charges, including four counts of assault with a firearm with intent to commit murder. He faces at least 20 years in prison when he is sentenced May 28.

The jury deliberated less than four hours before reaching a verdict.

The incident happened at the Millington base in southwestern Tennessee.