Watch CBS News

Iraqi Refugee Pleads Not Guilty In Police Officer's Shooting

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — An Iraqi refugee accused of critically wounding a Colorado police officer has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder.

Karrar Noaman Al Khamassi entered his plea Friday. A judge scheduled his trial to begin May 13.

The Gazette reports that Al Khammasi repeatedly asked through an interpreter for a new attorney and interpreter. A judge denied the request.

Karrar Noaman Al Khammasi mug
Karrar Noaman Al Khammasi (credit: El Paso County)

RELATED: Denver Police Visit Officer Cem Duzell In Hospital

The injured Colorado Springs police officer, Cem Duzel, remains at a rehabilitation hospital.

Police have said Duzel and other officers responded to reported gunshots near the U.S. Olympic Training Center on Aug. 2 and found an armed suspect. Duzel was hurt in an exchange of gunfire.

officer cem duzel (cspd)
Officer Cem Duzel (credit: Colorado Springs Police Department)

Al Khammasi also was wounded.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Al Khammasi was granted refugee status and arrived in the United States in May 2012.

(© Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.