Man accused of shooting two police officers in Delafield to stand trial

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A North Dakota man will stand trial in Wisconsin for the accused shooting of two police officers in Delafield.

Nathanael Benton appeared in a Waukesha County courtroom Monday, Nov. 30, and waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

“By waiving your right to preliminary hearing you’re not waiving your right to have a trial later on, if that’s what you choose to do. Do you understand all of that?” Waukesha County Judge Linda Saafir asked.

“Yes,” replied Benton.

Benton, 23, faces two counts of attempted first degree intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm by an outstate felon, repeat offender in Waukesha County.

“Counsel have you received the state’s information?” asked Judge Saafir.

“Yes, I received a copy of the information," Benton's attorney Paul S. Crawford said. "I’ll waive its formal reading, enter pleas of not guilty to the counts.”

According to the criminal complaint, Benton fired as one officer frisked him for possible weapons.

A Delafield officer was injured, and a Hartland officer was seriously hurt.

Chiefs from both departments say the officers will survive.

Benton is accused of fleeing the scene, and he was caught hours later during a manhunt.

Benton is due back in court on Feb. 1.

His $1.5 million dollar cash bond still stands.

A GoFundMe for the injured Hartland officer has now surpassed its $20,000 fundraising goal.