Man wounded by Pasco police pleads not guilty to shooting

PASCO, Wash. (AP) - A Pasco man who was shot and wounded by police last month pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the exchange of gunfire.

The Tri-City Herald reports that 31-year-old Edwin Espejo was in a wheelchair at the Tuesday court appearance, and he entered not guilty pleas to charges of assault, unlawful gun possession and three counts of attempted first-degree murder.

Pasco police say Espejo shot at officers who responded to a domestic violence call. Police say they found Espejo agitated inside the basement of his residence, and they ordered him to drop his gun. An officer used a Taser on him in an attempt to subdue him.

Police say Espejo started firing and officers fired back, striking him.

The officers were not injured and were placed on administrative leave.