Man Convicted Of Shooting Jennings Police Officer In 2014

JENNINGS, La. (AP) — A jury has convicted a man of attempted murder for shooting a Jennings police officer in 2014.

The American Press reports that 32-year-old George David Lowdins faces up to 50 years in prison for his attempted murder conviction Friday. He also faces up to 15 years for his conviction on a firearms charge.

Lowdins shot Sgt. Ricky Benoit in the neck with a handgun.

More than 45 uniformed law-enforcement officers from 14 different agencies stood as Benoit entered the courtroom on Friday. Benoit said he was pleased with the verdict.

Prosecutor Bennett Lapoint told jurors that Lowdins hid in a closet and ambushed Benoit as he responded to a report of a domestic disturbance. Lapoint said Lowdins had been choking the pregnant mother of his children before police arrived.

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Information from: American Press, http://www.americanpress.com

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