Testimony concludes in Partlow trial; final arguments this afternoon

Testimony concluded in the terrorizing trial of Michael Partlow, 28, Kensal, this morning.

Partlow is accused pointing a shotgun at police officers in a Sept. 2010 incident. The case is being tried in Southeast District Court with Judge Thomas Merrick presiding.

The officers had been called to the scene because of reports Partlow was suicidal. They fired on him when he allegedly pointed a shotgun at them, causing multiple injuries to Partlow, according to police reports .

Friday’s testimony included Mary Wildermuth, the defendant’s grandmother. She testified she was talking to Partlow on a cell phone at the time of the incident.

Partlow also took the stand in his own defense. He testified that he was depressed at the time and had been drinking that evening.

He testified he heard someone yell “drop the gun” but was surprised and dropped the cell phone instead.

The case will proceed with closing arguments scheduled for the early afternoon followed by the jury receiving the case for deliberation.

Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at 701-952-8452 or by email at knorman@jamestownsun.com

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