MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson man accused of firing at a police officer near Porter Commons Apartments has been formally charged with attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer and several other offenses.
Jesse Taylor, 49, made his first court appearance Oct. 1. No next hearing date has been set.
Taylor is also charged with three counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon; two felony counts of interference with a law enforcement officer by obstructing, resisting or opposing; criminal damage to property valued between $1,000 and $25,000; cruelty to animals involving malicious torture or killing; and unlawful discharge of a firearm within city limits.
According to the Hutchinson Police Department, the incident began around 8:48 p.m. Sept. 22, when Taylor approached an officer inside a parked patrol vehicle in the 1400 block of East 11th Ave.
Police said Taylor had visible blood on him, told the officer he had a firearm and displayed it. When the officer gave him commands, Taylor ran toward Porter Commons Apartments at 1415 Katie Drive. The officer pursued him on foot as a second officer arrived.
The second officer located Taylor in the apartment complex parking lot. Police said Taylor fired a handgun at the officer as the officer began giving verbal commands, striking an unoccupied vehicle nearby.
The officer moved to cover, and Taylor retreated from the area. Officers located him shortly afterward and took him into custody. Police said Taylor was unarmed when arrested, but a firearm and a knife were recovered nearby.
No officers or civilians were injured.
Officers later executed a search warrant at Taylor’s residence, where police said they found a dead dog with lacerations and apparent gunshot wounds.
The charges are allegations, and Taylor is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.