By Leila Merrill
FireRescue1
INDIANAPOLIS — An off-duty Indianapolis firefighter was sentenced for attacking former Indiana state representative Pat Kiely after a Colts game last year, Fox59 reported this week.
Thomas Gatto was charged with felony battery resulting in moderate injury and criminal recklessness for the September 2021 incident.
Witnesses said the firefighter was angry because the then 69-year-old Kiely was riding along with his son in a pedal cab that blocked the sidewalk.
Witnesses’ photos and testimony helped to identify Gatto as the attacker.
Gatto was sentenced last week to a suspended six-month jail sentence, non-reporting probation, and $8,500 in court fees. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor.
The Indianapolis Fire Department suspended Gatto without pay for 30 days at the time of his arrest. After that, he returned to work on administrative duty. Pending a department review, Gatto could return to active duty.