Waiter Stops Matthew Exton During Toledo Restaurant Attack
Waiter Tracy Cole Jr tackled Matthew Exton at Sabira restaurant after Exton tried to fire a loaded handgun at his ex-wife. The weapon’s safety remained engaged. Screenshot from X/Collin Rugg

A suspended Ohio lawyer has been convicted of attempting to murder his ex-wife after a loaded handgun failed to fire inside a crowded restaurant because its safety catch remained engaged.

Video broadcast by WTVG shows Matthew Exton approaching his former wife's table at Sabira restaurant in Toledo and raising the weapon. Waiter Tracy Cole Jr then tackles him, with other customers helping to restrain him.

No bullet was discharged, and no one was struck, but the restaurant was crowded, and several bystanders were close to the confrontation.

A Lucas County jury convicted Exton, 43, of attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault on Friday, 4 September 2026. He was acquitted of a third felonious-assault count.

Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia R. Bates described the attack as an intended 'public execution' and praised the employees and diners who intervened.

Who Is Matthew Exton?

Exton practised law in Ohio and Michigan, with offices in Sylvania and Traverse City. His work reportedly included criminal defence and family-law cases.

The Supreme Court of Ohio imposed an interim remedial suspension on 6 May 2025 after the Toledo Bar Association alleged that his conduct posed a substantial threat of serious harm to the public.

The order suspended Exton from practising law pending the final outcome of disciplinary proceedings.

What Happened at Sabira Restaurant?

The attack occurred on 11 April 2025, when Sabira was celebrating its opening night.

According to the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office, Exton ordered a drink at neighbouring Souk restaurant before noticing his ex-wife and her family at Sabira next door.

Prosecutors said he entered Sabira, ordered a drink to be sent to their table and spat towards the group as he left. He later returned carrying a handgun and walked directly towards the table.

Exton tried to fire the weapon, but its safety remained engaged. The official account says Cole tackled him before he could make a second attempt. Police found one round in the chamber and seven more in the magazine.

Why Did Prosecutors Call It a 'Public Execution' Attempt?

Bates said Exton entered the restaurant 'with the intention to commit a public execution of his ex-wife '.

During the trial, Exton denied intending to kill or injure her. He testified that he pointed the gun to pressure his former wife into accelerating the sale of their former home following their divorce.

The prosecution argued that his return with a loaded gun and attempt to fire demonstrated an intention to kill. Jurors convicted him of attempted murder and two felonious-assault charges, each carrying firearm specifications.

The phrase 'public execution' was the prosecutor's characterisation of the attack, not a separate criminal charge.

What Happens Next?

Exton remains in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced at the Lucas County Courthouse at 9 a.m. on Monday, 21 September 2026.

No sentence has yet been imposed. The court will determine his punishment for the attempted-murder and felonious-assault convictions and the related firearm specifications.

Following the verdict, prosecutors called the restaurant employees and customers who intervened 'heroes'. Their quick action prevented the gun from firing, and their intervention stopped Exton from trying again.

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