COLUMBUS (AP) – The suspect in the fatal shooting of a Columbus SWAT officer is scheduled to be arraigned on charges that could carry the death penalty upon conviction.
Lincoln Rutledge was indicted earlier this week on charges including aggravated murder, attempted murder, felonious assault and aggravated arson. His arraignment is set for Friday.
Rutledge, 43, is accused of shooting Officer Steven Smith in the head while officers were trying to arrest him on an arson warrant.
The 54-year-old Smith was shot April 10 while standing in the turret of a SWAT vehicle. He died two days later.
Ohio law includes killing a police officer as a factor that can lead to capital punishment.
Public defenders who have been representing Rutledge haven’t responded to messages seeking comment on the indictment.