HARMONY, Pa. — The attorney for a man accused of shooting a Harmony Township police officer in the chest argued in court Tuesday that the officer’s identification of his client is “unreliable.”
Earl Hollins is facing a list of charges, including attempted homicide, after he allegedly shot Hamrony Township Police Officer Alan Loskoch.
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Authorities said the shooting in October occurred when Loskoch confronted Hollins because he appeared to be breaking into a car. Hollins allegedly opened fire on the officer. At the time of the shooting, Loskoch was wearing a bulletproof vest, which ultimately saved his life.
Defense attorney Almon Burke said since Loskoch was the only witness to the incident, his identification of Hollins is unreliable.
“In the heat of the moment, especially in a situation where your life is in danger, you've been shot in the chest and lose consciousness, at some point that all becomes relevant,” Burke said.
Questions in the case also remain about whether Hollins changed his appearance between the shooting and his arrest.
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