Man Accused Of Killing Mendota Heights Officer Pleads Not Guilty

HASTINGS (AP) - The man accused of killing a Mendota Heights police officer has pleaded not guilty to charges.

Attorneys for Brian Fitch Sr. entered the pleas during a hearing Monday in Dakota County District Court. Fitch's lawyers are asking that the defendant's trial be moved out of the Twin Cities because of extensive publicity about the case. The defense also wants statements he made while hospitalized suppressed.

The 39-year-old Fitch is accused of fatally shooting Scott Patrick on July 30 during a traffic stop in West St. Paul. He's also accused of firing at officers who tracked him down in St. Paul later that day. A grand jury indicted Fitch on first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder.

Fitch was still in a wheelchair in court Monday. He was shot numerous times before his arrest.