The King County Prosecutor's Office today filed a charge of attempted murder in the first degree against Wilford Armstead, who is accused of shooting and wounding Renton Police Officer Larry Strauss last Sunday evening in Renton. Strauss is recovering from a gunshot wound to his neck.

The incident began when Officer Strauss observed a group of individuals run across four lanes of traffic on Rainier Avenue. The group got into a parked van. As the officer approached the van, Armstead got out and began fleeing. Officer Strauss said he started to follow, but Armstead turned around, pushed Strauss to the ground and began firing shots at Officer Strauss, who then returned fire.

Armstead, 48, who has up to 20 prior felony convictions, was also charged today with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in the first degree. If convicted as charged, he could face a sentence of 30 to 39 years in prison.

"Police officers like Larry Strauss are in our communities performing some of our most difficult and important work, and they help make our communities safe," said King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng. "The shooting of a police officer is the most serious crime that can be committed, and these charges will provide for a very long prison sentence for this defendant," Maleng added.

In 1991, Strauss was given a Medal of Valor by Renton Police after being shot in the line of duty.

Armstead is in jail on $1 million bail. He is scheduled for arraignment on January 19 at the King County Courthouse in Seattle.

Dated: January 12, 2006