A man accused of shooting a Miami Gardens Police officer pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and other charges Friday.
David Mejia didn't attend Friday's arraignment and pleaded not guilty through a public defender. He's facing charges of first-degree attempted murder of a police officer, aggravated fleeing and eluding and resisting arrest.
Several Miami Gardens Police officers attended the hearing for Mejia, who's accused of shooting Officer David Starling last month.
"We're a big family and we're always here supporting each other," Maj. Ralph Suarez said.
Prosecutors say Mejia shot at Officer Starling as he sat inside his patrol car filling out paperwork. Mejia was driving a black BMW SUV when he went past the officer and then backed up to shoot him, police said.
The bullets went through the metal door hitting the officer in the upper leg, but Starling called for back up and went after Mejia, police said. As other patrol cars approached Mejia they say he fired several more times at officers. No one else was hit.
Officer Starling is still out because of his injury.
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"The officer is doing much better, he's able to walk now, he's doing much better," Maj. Suarez said.
Attorneys are getting ready for the criminal trial and will be back in court for a review of the case next month. Mejia could be facing life in prison if convicted of all the charges.
