The Dakota County Attorney’s office is preparing a criminal complaint and is expected to file charges Friday afternoon against the man suspected of murdering a Twin Cities law officer on Wednesday. That was among the updates provided by the St. Paul Police Department during a news conference held Thursday afternoon to discuss the ongoing investigation into the shooting death of Mendota Heights Police Officer Scott Patrick during a traffic stop in West St. Paul.

The suspected killer, 39-year-old Brian Fitch, remains hospitalized in serious condition with wounds suffered in a shootout with police in West St. Paul Wednesday night. Officials say a 36-year-old Maplewood woman, who was with Fitch when he was cornered by police, was also wounded and is hospitalized in fair condition. A spokesman noted that that she is not under arrest and it’s not known if she will face any charges.

Officials say they do not know what prompted the slain officer to initiate the traffic stop that led to his death, and they may never know. The Associated Press is reporting that court records show Fitch was wanted on a warrant because he left a drug treatment program, and he was facing a drug charge that could bring him a 30 year prison sentence.

Funeral arrangements for Officer Patrick are still pending. A fund benefiting his widow and the couple’s two teenage children has been established. Donations are being accepted at all Affinity Plus Credit Union locations in Minnesota, including Rochester.

More From KROC-AM