COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The man accused of shooting a Colorado Springs police officer Thursday was charged Friday with attempted first-degree murder, among other felony counts.
Karrar Noaman Al Khammasi, 31, did not appear in court himself Friday, as his attorney said he was still hospitalized after being injured in Thursday’s police shooting.
Khammasi is being held without bond after his court hearing, where he was charged with attempted first-degree murder, possession of a weapon by a previous offender and felony menacing.
Khammasi is accused of shooting Colorado Springs Police Officer Cem Duzel in a Thursday morning shootout that stemmed from a shots fired call. Khammasi allegedly opened fire after several officers arrived to the scene in the 2300 block of E. Boulder St.
Duzel remained in critical condition Friday morning and was surrounded by friends and family, the police department said. There is a prayer vigil for Duzel happening at 7:45 p.m. on the eastern side of Boulder Park next to Memorial Hospital.
Colorado Court records show Khammasi has a criminal history in both El Paso and Teller counties, having previously served prison and jail time for trespassing and assault convictions.