Charges Filed in Police Killing; Funeral Next Week

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Prosecutors have charged a man suspected of killing a Mendota Heights police officer with first-degree murder.

39-year-old Brian George Fitch Sr. also was charged Friday with several counts of attempted murder and assault for firing at police officers during a standoff eight hours after the killing. The officers fired back and Fitch was hit. He was due to undergo abdominal surgery today and is expected to be in the hospital for at least a week.

Fitch, of Mendota Heights, faces two counts of first-degree murder in Dakota County in the shooting death of Officer Scott Patrick, who was killed Wednesday during a traffic stop. Prosecutors say Fitch shot Patrick in the leg, abdomen and head during a West St. Paul traffic stop.

Authorities say they may never know the reason for the traffic stop. Court records show Fitch was wanted because he left a drug treatment program.

A funeral will be held next week for Officer Patrick.  Services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in West St. Paul. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 2-8 p.m.

The 19-year police veteran leaves behind a wife and two teenage children. A fund  for them has been established.  Donations are being accepted at all Affinity Plus Credit Union locations in Minnesota, including Rochester.