An 18-year-old man, Jaime Gomez, entered a not guilty plea in court on Thursday in connection with an attack on the local police chief during a New Year’s Day incident. His charges include attempted murder, stemming from an encounter that occurred at the Fox Run Inn apartment complex on Main Street.

Authorities reported that the police chief, Jeffrey Warfle, approached Gomez to discuss complaints from residents as he was the focus of their call. While engaging with another tenant, video evidence revealed that Gomez, with his hands in his pockets, approached Warfle. According to investigators, he ignored verbal commands from the chief and suddenly lunged at him with a knife.

In response to the threat, Warfle fired his weapon, striking Gomez twice in the torso. Following the shooting, Gomez was taken to a hospital but has since been released and is now in custody. Court documents also revealed that he has a background of mental health issues. Gomez is currently being held without bail pending further legal proceedings.