Trial scheduled for man accused of killing officer

A giant American flag hung over the procession route for the funeral of police officer Andrew Dunn is reflected in the windshield of a Sandusky police car in March.

SANDUSKY — Family and several Sandusky police officers sat in Erie County Common Pleas Court on Friday morning as the man accused of killing an officer learned he will face trial early next year.

Kevin Randleman, 50, of Sandusky, is charged with the March 19 fatal shooting of Officer Andrew Dunn, 30.

Randleman will appear in court May 17 for a hearing on motions filed. His trial is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2012, said Erie County Prosecutor Kevin Baxter.

Mr. Baxter said approximately 30 people — including family, friends, and police officers — were there to support the slain officer. People were also there for Randleman, he said.

Officer Dunn stopped Randleman on Sandusky’s Tyler Street around 3 a.m. for not displaying lights on his bicycle. The two exchanged gunfire. The officer died minutes later.

Randleman is being held in the Erie County Jail.