COLORADO SPRINGS — Karrar Noaman Al Khammasi, the man suspected of shooting and critically injuring Colorado Springs Police Officer Cem Duzel in 2018, has entered a not guilty plea on charges of attempted first-degree murder of a police officer, felony menacing, and possession of a weapon by a previous offender.
His trial is now set for February 18th with an estimated trial time of 2 weeks. Al Khammasi is expected back in court in early December for a motions hearing.
Last month, a judge ruled the defendant is competent to stand trial following a second at the Colorado Mental Health Institute.
According to a report from prosecutors, Duzel and another officer responded to the area near Bonfoy and Boulder on a shots fired call in the early morning hours of Aug. 2. Shortly after they responded, Duzel encountered Al-Khammasi, who was walking along Boulder Street.
Prosecutors said that’s when they shot at each other. According to the report, Duzel was hit in the head. Carter shot Al-Khammasi and began administering medical care to each of them.
The 4th Judicial District Attorney’s office ruled in October that Duzel and CSPD Corporal Ron Carter were acting in self-defense and in defense of others when they fired their weapons at Al Khammasi on Aug. 2. Neither Carter or Duzel were charged following the shooting.
