Insanity plea fails test in Oregon, judge rules

7/15/2011

An Oregon man charged with shooting at police officers does not meet the criteria to plead not guilty by reason of insanity, a Lucas County Common Pleas Court judge has ruled.

Jeffery Belew, 24, is charged with two counts each of attempted aggravated murder and felonious assault, each with gun specifications, as well as specifications that involve shooting at an officer. He faces up to 27 years in prison.

Judge Linda Jennings made the ruling Wednesday after reviewing two evaluations. She set a Sept. 12 trial date.

Oregon police were called to Piccadilly East Apartments, 2750 Pickle Rd., just after 5 a.m. April 10 on a report of a fight.

Police say Mr. Belew raised a handgun and shot at least four times at an officer who arrived in a patrol vehicle.

A second officer fired three shots at Mr. Belew, striking him once.