Alleged trooper shooting suspect enters plea

By Terry Murry on Monday, October 3rd, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – A man accused of ambushing and shooting Washington State Patrol Trooper Dean Atkinson Jr. on Sept. 22 entered a not guilty Monday.

Brandon Dennis O’Neel, 37, of Walla Walla was arraigned in Walla Walla County Superior Court. He has been formally charged with first-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, threats to bomb or injure property, and harassment. The first three charges carry a firearm possession enhancement. All five charges are felonies.

His trial date is set for November 28. O’Neel is still in custody and his bail remains set at $1 million dollars.