Robber of Slidell Restaurant Gets 35 Years in Prison

Michael Troy Donato (26) of Slidell was sentenced Tuesday (February 20, 2018) by District Judge Martin Coady to 35 years in prison after Donato plead guilty to attempted first degree murder (2 counts), armed robbery with a firearm (4 counts) and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
In January 2017, Donato robbed several patrons at gunpoint inside Mr. Joe's Chinese Restaurant on Gause Boulevard in Slidell. As Slidell Police Department officers arrived,  Donato opened fire on the officers. Officers returned fire, striking Donato in the abdomen and leg.
One of the robbery victims was seriously injured when she fled the restaurant, attempted to hide behind a vehicle to avoid the gunshots, and was run over by a car whose driver was also trying to flee the gunfire.
At the time of his plea, Donato gave a statement taking responsibility for his actions, apologizing to the victims, and thanking the officers involved for their sacrifice every day and for sparing his life that day.