Man accused of killing Milwaukee police officer appears in court

NOW: Man accused of killing Milwaukee police officer appears in court
NEXT:

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The man accused of killing Milwaukee Police Officer Michael Michalski makes his first appearance in court. 

An emotionless Jonathan Copeland Jr. sat in the courtroom as his charges and bail amounts were read. 

Copeland, 30, was brought into the courtroom in a wheelchair. He faces three separate counts, one for first-degree intentional homicide, attempted homicide for shooting at other officers on the scene, and possession of a firearm by a felon. 

His bail was set at $1.5 million cash for the accusation of killing Officer Michalski. 

The shooting happened Wednesday evening when police say officers went to a home on the city's north side to arrest Copeland on drug charges. According to the criminal complaint, Copeland rushed Officer Michalski as he came up a rear set of stairs. The complaint goes on to say that Copeland fired out a window at other officers before throwing the gun out the window and surrendering. 

"What we're obligated to look at is the risk. The risk is whether the person is expected back in court and likelihood of committing new offenses back on bail. Obviously, we're at the preliminary stages of this prosecution. Presumption of innocence still attaches," said Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm. 

Copeland remains in jail. He's expected back in court on August 9. 

A funeral for Officer Michalski has been planned for Wednesday. 


Share this article: