Prosecutor: Accused Cop Killer Committed Witness Tampering From Prison
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 39-year-old man accused of shooting and killing a Mendota Heights police officer is now accused with committing more crimes while in prison.
Dakota County Prosecutor Phillip Prokopowicz claims Brian Fitch conspired to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and attempted aggravated first-degree witness tampering – all while in the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Oak Park Heights last month.
According to police, Fitch shot 47-year-old Officer Scott Patrick, a 19-year veteran of the Mendota Heights Police Department, during a routine traffic stop last July. He then fled police and later became involved in a standoff which resulted in gunshots. He was taken into custody after being shot eight times.
The evidence of these alleged additional offenses will likely be used during Fitch's murder trial.
Jury selection for the trial will take place at the Stearns County Courthouse on Jan. 12, 2015.