Shooting of Indiana police officer results in third attempted murder charge
In eastern Indiana, a man has been charged with attempted murder for the third time after he allegedly shot a police officer in the head during a traffic stop and search for illegal substances.
Phillip Matthew Lee, 47, of Richmond, was charged with shooting at a third officer on August 10 by the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. As a result of the new allegations, the judge on Thursday increased Lee’s bond from $1 million to $1.5 million.
Officer Seara Burton of the Richmond Police Department is still in extremely serious condition at an Ohio hospital. The wedding was supposed to take place this coming Friday.
Similarly shot Lee is currently being cared for at a Dayton facility.
While still in the hospital, Lee made his first court appearance on Friday and pled not guilty. During his 11-minute court appearance, he was also given a legal counsel.
Lee has informed the court that he is now unemployed and hence has no means of supporting himself. It is been a long time, 2000 or so, he responded when questioned about his most recent employment. “I honestly do not remember,”
Lee’s moped was halted by police on August 10; Burton was brought in to assist with her police dog because the dog had detected a probable narcotics stash.
Burton, at 28 years old, has served the Richmond police force for four years.