Portage man sentenced in ‘senseless” shooting over parking spot

In Valparaiso, Benjamin Altieri, a 33-year-old from Portage, was sentenced to a year of probation with a chance to reduce his felony charge to a misdemeanor after a jury found him guilty of criminal recklessness for shooting during a parking dispute. Judge Jeffrey Clymer emphasized the senselessness of resorting to gunfire over a parking spot. Defense attorney Jesse Harper argued for leniency due to Altieri’s clean record, contrasting with the prosecution’s request for two years of probation and restitution. A further hearing on restitution is scheduled.