Jury Selection Begins Monday for Trial of Accused Cop Killer

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A man charged with killing a Mendota Heights police officer last summer and trying to kill other officers in a shootout that day goes on trial Monday in St. Cloud.

Forty-year-old Brian Fitch Sr. is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Officer Scott Patrick during a traffic stop July 30 in West St. Paul. Fitch also faces three counts of attempted murder and a gun felony for allegedly shooting at other officers during his arrest in St. Paul following a manhunt.

Jury selection begins Monday in St. Cloud, where the trial was moved. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports opening statements and testimony are scheduled to begin Jan. 20.

Prosecutors have filed a list of about 70 potential witnesses they could call during the trial.