Giorgio Baymon was sentenced Wednesday to 3 years in prison for shooting at a Ramsey County sheriff's deputy who was working off duty at a Maplewood nightclub in May.

Baymon, 21, of St. Paul pleaded guilty in July to second-degree assault and was sentenced Wednesday by District Judge Michael T. DeCourcy. He will have to serve at least two years before he is eligible for release.

The incident happened the night of May 16 after Baymon and several other men were told to leave Club Cristal at 1700 Rice St.

Deputy Don Rindal told authorities he was in the club's parking lot when he saw a man who had crossed the street raise his hand and point in his direction. He then saw a muzzle flash and heard shots strike metal, the complaint said.

Baymon later acknowledged firing shots but denied aiming at the deputy.

PAT PHEIFER