A man who pleaded guilty to attempting to kill the Wyoming County sheriff will spend the next 25 years in prison.

Lynn Michael Hall was sentenced Thursday after pleading guilty to attempted murder in the second degree for trying to kill Sheriff Gregory Rudolph in 2018.

Hall followed the sheriff on his way to work, flagged him down, attacked him, tried to steal his gun, and threatened him with a knife.

Two passing newspaper delivery employees and an off-duty state trooper stepped in to help.

Hall underwent psychiatric treatment before being deemed fit to stand trial.

Sheriff Rudolf spoke at the sentencing, telling Hall that he believed Hall has suffered with mental illness throughout his life, but that Hall did not try to help himself. 

"Behavior, not an illness, is why you are here today. Your unacceptable willingness to harass and intimidate when you don't get your way is why you are here today. To have my children and step-children question their safety because of a job I chose, and particularly your behavior, is almost insurmountable when it comes to forgiveness," said Rudolf.

Hall will serve five years parole after his release.