Many Minnesota readers will be familiar with the recent shooting death of a local police officer. The case has received extensive media coverage, as has the arrest of the man police believe to be responsible for the crime. A manhunt led to his arrest, and he was seriously injured during what is being described as a shootout with police. As he awaits new criminal charges related to gun crime and more serious offenses, he is also struggling with serious gunshot injuries in an area hospital.
According to police, the man shot and killed a Minnesota police officer after being pulled over for a traffic stop. He was released from prison in February, and was required to participate in a drug treatment program as a condition of his release. He failed to show up for that treatment, however, which combined with a pending drug charge led to a warrant for his arrest by the Department of Corrections.
According to reports, the man has a significant criminal history, including arrests for making terroristic threats, escaping custody, fleeing from police officers and theft. The pending charges include possession of nearly 50 grams of methamphetamine, which could have led to a prison sentence of 30 years. Police assert that the man was trying to avoid arrest and prosecution of those charges when the confrontation with police began.
As this case moves forward, the man accused of these serious gun crime and drug matters will have a difficult path ahead. After a careful review of all evidence held in the case, it is possible that his Minnesota legal team will pursue a plea deal that would reduce sentencing in the case. When a conviction seems to be the likely outcome, a plea agreement is often the best possible course of action to pursue in cases.
Source: wqow.com, “NEW DETAILS: Charges expected Friday in Minnesota cop killing”, Amie Winters, July 30, 2014