Man faces life sentence for shooting police officer

Author: the associated press
Published:
MGN

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – A central Florida man faces a possible life sentence for shooting and wounding an Orlando police officer.

An Orange County jury found 25-year-old Demetrius Patterson guilty Thursday of attempted first-degree murder on a law-enforcement officer with a firearm.

Officer Jason Hajek pulled over a vehicle that was driving recklessly in July 2013. Police say Patterson and another man got out of the vehicle, and then Patterson shot Hajek. The men fled on foot but were arrested several hours later.

Authorities say Hajek was able return fire, call for help and give a description to dispatch.

Defense attorneys say Patterson was in fear for his life and just trying to escape.

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