Jamel Booker walks past Ithaca police officers after his arraignment Wednesday afternoon.
/ photo: Jim Kenyon
ITHACA -- The man accused of shooting Ithaca Police Officer Anthony Augustine in October was arraigned in Tompkins County Court Wednesday afternoon on an 8 count indictment from a grand jury. Booker's attorney pleaded not guilty on his behalf.
Jamel Booker was charged with attempted felony murder in the first degree, felony assault in the first degree, and felony aggravated assault of a police officer, among other charges.
About a dozen Ithaca Police officers lined the hallway as Booker was brought into the courtroom. Booker was smiling when he entered the courtroom.
Augustine was in the courtroom with his wife and other family members and often glanced at Booker while he was seated at the defense table.
Booker’s attorney, Kristine Shaw, referenced the presence of police in and around the courtroom and informed the judge that she plans to file a motion for a change of venue. Judge Judith Rossiter gave 45 days to file motions. No other dates were set.
Judge Rossiter raised Booker’s bail to $1 million cash or $2 million bond.
Booker is accused of shooting Augustine during a police chase involving a stolen car. Augustine was shot in the chest just above his bullet proof vest and underwent emergency surgery at Upstate Medical Center. The injury was grave and surgeons were able to save his life.
Augustine was released from the hospital on October 18. Fellow police officers escorted Officer Augustine back to Ithaca. Augustine remains off the job, but he is expected to make a full recovery.
On Monday, Ithaca Police announced the arrest of Kimberly Harden, 35, on a charge of hindering prosecution. According to police, Harden "rendered assistance to Booker" following the shooting of Officer Augustine.
