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Man ruled competent for trial in Colorado officer shooting

Posted at 5:34 PM, Aug 14, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-14 19:34:56-04

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A judge has ruled an Iraqi refugee accused of critically wounding a Colorado police officer is competent to stand trial.

Karrar Al Khammasi is charged with attempted murder of a police officer, assault with a deadly weapon, felony menacing and illegal possession of a weapon in the 2018 gunfight in Colorado Springs.

The Gazette reports that two psychologists evaluated Al Khammasi and both found he understands the charges against him and can assist in his defense. His previous not-guilty plea was withdrawn and he is due back in court on Sept. 6.

Police have said the injured officer was responding to a call about gunshots fired near the U.S. Olympic Training Center. Police said he was shot in the head during an exchange of gunfire.