Waiter tackles Ohio lawyer who raised loaded gun at ex-wife in restaurant — he is sentenced to 24 years

From the Newshound archive · first published 22 September 2026.

Matthew Exton, 43, pointed a loaded Colt Defender handgun at his former wife Kayda Valone at close range inside Sabira restaurant in Toledo, Ohio, before waiter Tracy Cole Jr tackled him to the ground and other diners helped restrain him. Exton had spotted Valone eating with family during the restaurant's opening celebrations, initially sending a drink to her table before coming back armed. Lucas County judge Cook sentenced him to up to 24 years following convictions for attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault.

Exton claimed he deliberately kept the safety on and 'did not try to kill' Valone — but prosecutors argued he actively worked to make the gun fire.

When Cole brought Exton down, the Colt Defender had a round chambered and seven more in the magazine.

Exton dismissed his own lawyer and sought to postpone sentencing — the judge turned down the request and proceeded regardless.