A preliminary hearing was held Thursday, March 31 for Robert Cooke. He is the man charged with shooting and killing the Albemarle County
K-9, Ingo, while in the line of duty on October 24, 2004.
A lead investigator in the case testified that Cooke admitted to him he shot Ingo with a gun he had just stolen during a burglary.
He said he was trying to get away from police and did it to slow Ingo down from chasing him. Cooke was shot twice by police that night and now sits in a wheelchair. Dana Slater is representing Cooke. Slater happens to sit on the Albemarle County Police Citizens Committee. She, however, does not see her position as a conflict of interest.
"If I foresee any sort of conflict, I will certainly take action so that Mr. Cooke's interest are protected, " said Slater.
Ingo's partner, Officer Andy Gluba attended court briefly but did not testify. Gluba is still handling administrative duties pending the investigation.
In the meantime, the judge certified all four charges against Cooke, including shooting a canine. His trial will begin on June 6.
Man Faced Judge For Killing Police Dog