A man charged in the shooting death of a Milwaukee police officer last month has pleaded not guilty.
Jonathan Copeland Jr. entered his plea Thursday at a hearing during which a judge decided there’s enough evidence for a trial. The 30-year-old faces three felony charges, including first-degree intentional homicide for the death of 52-year-old Officer Michael Michalski.
Copeland also is charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide for shooting at two other officers. Those officers were not hit.
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Prosecutors say police went to a home on Milwaukee’s north side on July 25 to arrest Copeland on a warrant for felony drug crimes. Michalski went up a rear stairwell when Copeland allegedly ambushed the officer.
Copeland is due in court again later this month.
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