WATERLOO – A man who was shot by a police officer on Christmas Day after allegedly striking the officer repeatedly about the face and head and knocking him to the ground has had his trial date postponed again.
Zachary Lee Church, age 27 of Parkersburg, had trial dates set for April 15th and then July 22nd. After a motion for continuance, a new trial date was set for August 22nd. Church has pled not guilty to charges of felony assault against a peace officer, felony possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and operating while intoxicated.
According to a report, Church was pulled over by Cedar Falls police officer Bob Anderson near 2nd Street and Hudson Avenue in Cedar Falls on December 25th, 2013, at about 2:57 AM. The officer observed Church sleeping in his running vehicle at the location, and smelled the aroma of marijuana from the vehicle and alcohol on Church’s person.
During the subsequent investigation, Church – who is listed as about 6 feet 2 inches tall and 270 lbs. – began to assault officer Anderson, striking him repeatedly about the face and head, and knocking him to the ground. The assault continued until officer Anderson shot Church with his firearm. Officer Anderson suffered cuts, abrasions and swelling to his face due to the assault. Church was hospitalized at Sartori Hospital after he was shot, and then jailed, later posting bond on January 7th.
Church has continued to tour and perform with his music band, Failure of Progress, as he awaits trial.
SUBJECT IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY
