22-Year-Old Riley James Leary Gets Behind Bars After May 2025 Shooting Spree in Ottawa County

By Grand Rapids Press Wire

A Sparta man was sentenced to 300 days in prison and 30 months of probation for a crime spree near Grand Valley State University in May 2025, according to court records.

Riley James Leary, 22, pleaded guilty on February 11 to discharging a firearm from a vehicle and carrying a concealed weapon for a series of incidents on May 3, 2025. He was also ordered to pay $23,352.76 in restitution to victims.

Crime Spree Targeted Homes and Business Near GVSU

The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office reported that Leary and an unidentified teenager were involved in a dangerous series of events that targeted both people and property near the Grand Valley State University campus.

On May 3, 2025, Leary was seen pointing a gun at some people he and a teen had issues with near the Enclave Apartments on Becker Drive, an off-campus housing complex near Grand Valley State University.

Shortly after this confrontation, the pair allegedly shot an unoccupied business on Allen Park Drive.

Three people living on 24th Avenue in Tallmadge Township reported that their houses had been shot at while they were inside, but no one was hurt in any of the incidents.

Sentence Details Include Prison Time, Probation, Restitution

Leary was sentenced to a minimum of 300 days in state prison, according to court records.

In addition to prison time, Leary received 30 months of probation and was ordered to pay $23,352.76 in restitution to victims affected by the crime spree.

The teenage co-defendant, who was 17 years old at the time of the incidents, was not found at the sentencing hearing and no update was provided on their status.

Charges Stem From Dangerous Gunfire Incidents

Court records show Leary was charged with multiple felony offenses stemming from the May 3, 2025 incidents.

He pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm from a vehicle, carrying a concealed weapon, and felonious assault, according to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office.

The charges resulted from a series of events that began with Leary and the teenage accomplice pointing firearms at people near the Enclave Apartments before escalating to shots fired at a business and multiple residential properties.

Community Impacted by GVSU Area Crime Spree

The Enclave Apartments on Becker Drive serve as off-campus housing for Grand Valley State University students.

Residents of Tallmadge Township, located in Ottawa County, reported being disturbed by shots fired into their homes while they were inside, though fortunately no injuries occurred.

The incidents occurred in the spring of 2025, causing concern in both the university community and surrounding neighborhoods.

Sentencing Takes Place In Ottawa County Court

Leary was scheduled to be sentenced on March 3, 2026, at 10 a.m., but the sentence details have now been finalized and reported.

The sentencing followed his guilty plea entered on February 11, with the case progressing through the Ottawa County court system.

The $23,352.76 restitution order is meant to compensate victims for damages and losses resulting from the crime spree.

Related Coverage Available

Previous coverage of the case included reports on Leary's guilty plea and the charges filed against him and his teenage accomplice.

The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office continues to monitor the situation while the court system processes the case to completion.