Jesus Ramirez of Springfield stands trial this week, accused of trying to kill a Springfield police officer and Sangamon County deputy last January after a high speed pursuit from northern McLean County to the Stevenson Dr. I-55 exit in Springfield.
Several police officers involved in the pursuit testified Tuesday morning. The state contends Ramirez tried to fire at pursuing officers, but failed when the weapon didn't fire, and alleged Ramirez doesn't know how to use a weapon. Williamsville officer Nathan Scott, who picked up the pursuit near exit 109 and followed it to the end at the Stevenson Drive exit, backed up that claim, saying he saw Ramirez put his finger on the trigger and prepare for a recoil that never happened.
Defense attorney Sam Adam Jr., best known for defending former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, says Ramirez does know how to use a weapon, and left the safety on on purpose because he never intended to kill the officers -- he only wanted a diversion to get away. Ramirez, Adam said, is an illegal immigrant and didn't want to get caught for fear of deportation.
Ramirez is also facing drugs and weapons charges.
(posted 5:48 p.m. 09/11/2012 by Alex Degman)