MIDDLEPORT — A man shot by a former Middleport police officer following a chase on Ohio 7 has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for fleeing.

James M. Gray IV appeared Monday before Judge Fred W. Crow III. He will undergo evaluation for possible placement in the Southeastern Probationary Treatment Alternative (SEPTA) program in Nelsonville, and his operator’s license was suspended for three years to life.

A charge of operating a motor vehicle under the influence has been dismissed.

Gray was shot in the face by Middleport Patrolman Steven Koebel of Gallipolis after a chase from Middleport to Pomeroy. Koebel later said he believed Gray was reaching for a gun, an accusation Gray maintains is not only false, but impossible given his position at the time he was shot.

After initiating a routine traffic stop, Koebel chased Gray from Middleport to Ohio 7 and the intersection of Union Avenue in Pomeroy, where Gray wrecked his car. When he got out of his vehicle, Koebel told investigators, Gray appeared to be reaching for a gun in his waistband and Koebel fired two shots.

Koebel has resigned his position with the Middleport Police Department. The matter remains under investigation by Athens County Prosecuting Attorney David Warren, but no charges have been filed against Koebel.

Gray suffered facial and dental injuries in the shooting.

An investigation referred to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, requested by Sheriff Robert Beegle, resulted in no charges being filed against Koebel.