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Ronald Wootan, Rolette, charged with murder

Man fired on Minot police officers

ROLLA – A man facing several felony charges, including murder, made an appearance in Northeast District Court in Rolla this week. Ronald Wootan is alleged to have killed James Pochant with a firearm on or about July 31, 2018.

The Minot Police Department SWAT team had been called to Rolette, where a man, identified as Wootan, had refused to exit his home at 605 3rd Avenue. The complaint against Wootan states he fired at law enforcement with rounds striking the vehicle containing members of SWAT. Also, says the document filed with the court, Wootan discharged several live rounds into the residential area of Rolette.

Wootan refused to comply with commands from law enforcement but was eventually taken into custody. Pochant was found dead at the scene.

As a result of the incident, Wootan faces a Class AA felony charge of murder, a Class A felony charge of criminal attempt-murder, and Class C felony charges of terrorizing, reckless endangerment and preventing arrest or discharge of other duties. The murder charge carries with it the possibility of life in prison without parole.

A trial date on all the charges against Wootan has been set for Feb. 18 through March 2 in Rolla.

Additionally, Wootan is facing an August 27, 2019, Class B felony charge of possessing a weapon in a correctional facility. A jury trial on that charge has been scheduled to begin March 3.

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