Horror in a U.S. Restaurant: Lawyer Points Gun at Ex‑Spouse

An attempted armed attack in a restaurant in Ohio, USA, was thwarted before it turned into a tragedy by a waiter who intervened within seconds. The 43‑year‑old former lawyer Matthew Exton, who tried to fire a gun at his ex‑wife, did not fire because the safety catch was engaged. At that moment, the waiter leapt onto the attacker, knocked Exton to the ground, and neutralized him.

Met his ex‑wife in the restaurant.

According to information provided by prosecutor Julia R. Bates, Exton realized that after drinking alcohol at a bar, his ex‑wife and family were eating at a nearby restaurant.

It was reported that Exton, upon entering the restaurant, first ordered a drink from the bar to be delivered to his ex‑wife’s table, and then, as he was leaving, he threw it toward his family.

However, the incident escalated to a far more dangerous level shortly thereafter.

Returned with a gun.

According to reports, Exton entered the restaurant again with a gun in hand and ran straight to the table where his ex-wife was seated. Exton tried to fire at his ex-wife, but the gun did not fire because the safety latch was closed.

At that moment, one of the restaurant staff intervened from behind the attacker. The waiter threw himself onto Exton before he could make a second move, knocking him to the ground. Then other staff and customers rushed to help, ensuring the attacker was brought under control.

The prosecutor's office stated that the weapon used in the incident had one bullet in the chamber and seven in the magazine.

The Waiter and Customers Prevented a Tragedy

Prosecutor Bates highlighted that the swift intervention of the restaurant staff and customers prevented a possible tragedy. Bates said that Exton came to the restaurant not to dine but to carry out violence against his ex-wife, calling the staff and customers who intervened “heroes.”

Suspect Found

Matthew Exton, 43, was found guilty of attempted murder, two separate aggravated assaults, and various firearm offenses. The jury acquitted him of the remaining aggravated assault charge.

It was announced that the sentencing hearing would take place on September 21.

Exton's law license, which had offices in Sylvania and Traverse City, was also suspended in May 2025 following the incident.

He offered a different defense in court.

Exton, in his court defense, asserted that he had no intention of shooting his former spouse. He claimed he pointed the gun only to pressure his ex‑wife to expedite the sale of their former home.

However, after reviewing the prosecutor's evidence, the jury found Exton guilty of numerous offenses, including attempted murder. The intervention that unfolded in seconds at the restaurant was recorded as the critical moment that averted a possible death.