LEBANON, Ohio — A man charged with multiple felonies for attempting to kill police officers in an August 2020 shootout had his trial moved from this month to next year.
Christopher J. Hubbard, 36, was scheduled to go to trial this month in Warren County. He's accused of shooting Middletown police officer Dennis Jordan shortly before 5 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2020 after a pursuit that started on 18th Avenue in Middletown and ended in the 2600 block of Mason-Montgomery Road in Turtlecreek Township.
Hubbard, 36, was indicted Dec. 21 by a Warren County grand jury on charges of attempted murder and felonious assault for allegedly shooting Jordan; attempted aggravated murder and felonious assault for allegedly shooting at Butler County Sheriff’s deputy Mike Barger; and attempted aggravated murder and felonious assault for allegedly shooting at Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper Brett Lee. The charges also contain gun specifications.
Earlier this month, Hubbard was found competent to stand trial following a psychological evaluation. Hubbard’s trial was scheduled to begin Oct. 25 but has been moved to April 4. The defense requested additional time for their expert to review the evidence.
An investigation of the incident by the Ohio Bureau of Investigation indicated Hubbard shot first, striking Jordan, and eight officers returned fire. Hubbard was hit between 10 and 13 times. Prosecutors said video evidence made the sequence of events clear.
Hubbard, who was sent back to prison shortly after the incident, is being held in the Warren County Jail on $1 million bond. He made a request in June to have his bond reduced, which was denied by Warren County Common Pleas Judge Timothy Tepe.
Jordan was shot in the arm, finger and right leg. He was released from the hospital a day later and returned to duty.
