Suspected Cop Shooter Doesn't Enter Plea
OAKLAND, Calif. (KCBS) _ Dozens of Fremont police officers packed an Alameda County Superior courtroom on Tuesday for the arraignment of a man suspected of shooting one of their own.
20-year-old Andrew Barrientos, a suspected Union City gang member, is accused of trying to kill Officer Todd Young on August 27 as the officer attempted to arrest him on an outstanding warrant.
In court documents, Barrientos said that Officer Young did not identify himself as a police officer.
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"That's not true. We'll prove in court that that's not true," said Fremont Police Chief Craig Steckler.
The attorney for Barrientos was granted a continuance of the case until September 27, when he is expected to enter a plea.
"Whether this turns out to be an intentional shooting of a police officer or a tragic misunderstanding on the streets of Oakland remains to be seen," said defense attorney Anne Beles.
Barrientos is facing several charges, with the most serious being the attempted murder of a police officer.
Steckler said Young remains hospitalized and he is making steady progress, although he is expected to be bedridden for at least a month.
