The Culpeper police officer who was indicted for fatally shooting a woman while on duty pleaded not guilty Friday, according to media reports, and his bail was set at $100,000.
Daniel Harmon-Wright, 32, was charged with murder, malicious shooting into an occupied vehicle, malicious shooting into an occupied vehicle resulting in a death and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, police said.
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On Feb. 9, Harmon-Wright responded to a suspcious person call and approached 54-year-old Patricia Cook, who was in a Jeep Wrangler.
Media outlets reported that a prosecutor said Friday that Harmon-Wright fired his weapon seven times. The first two shots were not fatal, but Harmon-Wright then fired five more shots as Cook tried to drive away. One bullet struck her head while another struck her spine before going into her heart and lungs.
A prosecutor also said in court that Harmon-Wright had a history of alcohol abuse and was hired in 2006 over the objections of a sergeant and lieutenant. A lawyer for Harmon-Wright said the officer had good reason to shoot Cook, media outlets reported.
Harmon-Wright has been suspended without pay from the police department.
