KENOSHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Jacob Blake has pleaded not guilty to three charges filed against him in July.
Blake is the man who was shot in the back by Kenosha police Aug. 23, touching off several days of protests, sometimes violent, in the city. The shooting left Blake paralyzed from the waist down, relatives say, and appeared in court Friday via video conference from his hospital bed.
Blake is charged with third-degree sexual assault, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. While pleading not guilty, Blake also waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
The shooting on Aug. 23 took place after Blake tried to break up a domestic dispute, his attorney has said. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has said police were trying to arrest Blake as he was getting into his car, when they shot him. Officers said Blake admitted having a knife in his possession. The state Division of Criminal Investigation found a knife on the driver’s side floorboard of his vehicle.
No charges have been filed against Blake for the Aug. 23 incident.
