DICKINSON, N.D. (AP) -- A Dickinson shooting suspect who has repeatedly sparred with the judge in the case has been found in contempt of court.
Sixty-one-year-old Joel Wetzel was removed from the courtroom Tuesday after Judge William Herauf asked repeatedly for him to be quiet.
Wetzel feels his rights have been violated because he will not be allowed to represent himself at trial, which begins Monday. Herauf says Wetzel will be allowed to testify as long as he is not disruptive.
Wetzel faces five felonies for allegedly breaking into a home, firing a rifle at a bedroom door and injuring a man, then aiming his rifle at a police officer before being shot by another officer. Wetzel claims he was shot in the back without provocation.
His attorney, Kelly Armstrong, says Wetzel might face additional charges for being in contempt of court.
