Suspects in Mount Vernon officer shooting plead not guilty
Jan 27, 2017, 7:37 AM | Updated: 9:22 am
Mike McClaughry was shot in the line of duty in Mount Vernon on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. (Mount Vernon Police)
(Mount Vernon Police)
Two suspects charged in connection with the shooting of a Mount Vernon police officer pleaded not guilty Thursday.
Related: Officer shot in the line of duty hailed as a leader
Ernesto Rivas was charged with attempted first-degree murder for allegedly shooting officer Mike McClaughry in the head last month as he responded to another shooting.
A 16-year-old is being charged as an adult in the first shooting that brought McClaughry to the scene.
Earlier this week a 15-year-old pleaded guilty to other charges connected to the shootings. He was sentenced to six months in a juvenile facility.
Officer McClaughry continues to recover at Harborview Medical Center. His family says he has been able to move his body and speak a few words. There are also indications he can hear.
McClaughry’s family was told by one doctor recently that he will likely be blind. Another wants to wait and see how the officer heals before making that determination.
The family setup a GoFundMe page to raise money for medical costs. As of Friday, 834 people had raised $64,875.
