Lawyers: Accused Cop Killer Will Plead Not Guilty
HASTINGS, Minn. (WCCO/AP) -- The defense team for the man accused of killing a Mendota Heights police officer said he intends to plead not guilty.
Brian Fitch appeared at an arraignment Thursday morning in Dakota County. The 39-year-old Fitch is accused of fatally shooting Officer Scott Patrick during a traffic stop July 30 in West St. Paul.
A grand jury indicted Fitch on one count of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder for a shootout with police who arrested him in St. Paul that night. The indictment also charges Fitch with illegally possessing a gun.
All of the charges were combined into one case that will be prosecuted in Dakota County.
Fitch was still in a wheelchair in court Thursday from injuries sustained during a shootout with police prior to his capture. He was hit by bullets eight times.
Fitch's next court date has been scheduled for Oct. 20, when his lawyers say they'll likely enter a plea of not guilty.
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