WAYNE COUNTY — The man accused of shooting and critically injuring Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton made his first court appearance Friday.
WRTV was inside the courtroom as Phillip Lee, 47, appeared virtually from his hospital bed and entered a preliminary not guilty plea.
Lee was also appointed an attorney during the 11 minute court appearance. His bail remains at $1.5 million.
Lee told the court he is not currently employed and has no income. When asked when his last job was, he said "it’s been a long time, 2000-something, I don’t know. I really don’t remember.”
Lee now faces a total of three attempted murder charges — one in the shooting of Burton, who remains hospitalized, and two other Richmond officers who were at the scene the night of Aug. 10.
On Wednesday, Richmond Police said Burton remains in critical condition.
"There have been some bright spots since Wednesday, but her condition is still very serious," police shared on Facebook.
Burton and the other officers encountered Lee about 6 p.m. Aug. 10 during a traffic stop in the 200 block of North 12th Street shortly after a narcotics unit believed they saw lee complete a narcotics transaction nearby. Lee was known to police as a drug offender, documents allege.
Burton's K-9 partner Brev sniffed a scooter Lee was driving and indicated the possible presence of narcotics, at which point Lee drew a handgun from his waist and fired at the officers, documents allege.
Newly-released details from the supplemental affidavit allege Lee had his hands in his pockets during the search and officers commanded him several times to show his hands before he drew the gun.
Online court records show Lee's next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 3 and the trail is set for Nov. 1.
RELATED | Most criminal cases in Indiana end in a plea agreement, less than 5 percent of cases end up going to trial | 'He pulled the gun and fired with no hesitation': Neighbor recounts moments before Richmond officer shot |Suspect in shooting of Richmond police officer has criminal history dating back to 1994
-
Mathurin, Haliburton power Indiana Pacers to 132-121 win over New York Knicks
Bennedict Mathurin scored a career-high 38 points, and Tyrese Haliburton added 35 points and 14 assists to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 132-121 victory over the New York Knicks on Sunday.
Flacco's struggles draw boos from Colts fans, questions about another QB change
Flacco's final line in the Colts' 30-20 loss to Buffalo was 26 of 35 for 272 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Mobile Grocery Store aims to eliminate food deserts on Indy's far east side
The Mobile Community Grocery Store is set to open in a couple of weeks. The grocery store is located in a modified, temperature-controlled trailer that will travel to various locations.
13-year-old victim shot in Greenwood, 13-year-old suspect arrested
A 13-year-old boy is in critical condition after being shot in Greenwood early Sunday morning. Another 13-year-old was arrested for attempted murder.
