SPRINGFIELD (AP) - A man charged in a shooting that seriously injured a Springfield police officer pleaded not guilty Thursday.
Joshua Lee Hagood, 32, made his first court appearance after being charged Wednesday with first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm. A Greene County judge denied bond for Hagood and ordered a public defender be appointed for him.
Officer Aaron Pearson suffered "career-ending injuries" in Monday's shooting, according to Springfield police Chief Paul Williams. In a statement Wednesday, Williams said the gunshot wounds to Pearson's brain will require long-term rehabilitation and care.
Police said an officer called for backup after following a suspicious van that stopped and two people, including Hagood, emerged, according to a probable cause statement. Hagood went to a house while a woman stood in the driveway, glancing up and down the street like a lookout.
While another officer spoke with the woman, Pearson followed Hagood, who was walking toward a parking lot, authorities said. Officers said they heard shots fired and discovered Pearson had been wounded.
Following a seven-hour search, authorities found Hagood in a fenced-in lot about 200 yards away from where Pearson was shot. A .38-caliber pistol reported stolen earlier this month was found about 35 yards away from where Hagood was hiding.
Pearson joined the force three years ago and is married with two children.