Oregon man referred for psychological evaluation in police shooting
4/27/2011
Jeff Belew
An Oregon man charged with shooting at police officers was referred for a psychological evaluation Wednesday to determine whether he was eligible for a not guilty by reason of insanity plea.
Jeffery Belew, 24, appeared in Lucas County Common Pleas Court for arraignment on charges of attempted aggravated murder and two counts of felonious assault, each with gun specifications and specifications involving shooting at a police officer. He faces up to 27 years in prison.
Attorney Don Cameron entered a not guilty by reason of insanity plea and asked that Mr. Belew be evaluated. Judge Linda Jennings referred the defendant and set a May 18 hearing date.
Oregon police were called to Piccadilly East Apartments, 2750 Pickle Rd., just after 5 a.m. on a report that two men, brothers, were fighting. When the first police officer arrived, he saw a man walking in the parking lot.
The man, who police later said was intoxicated, raised a handgun and shot at the patrol vehicle at least four times, striking it twice, authorities said. A second officer returned fire, striking the suspect in the torso.