A convicted felon charged with killing police officer Thor Soderberg with his own weapon last month pleaded not guilty to 250 felony counts on Thursday.
Bryant Brewer, 24, is charged with 250 felony counts including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, armed robbery, robbery and resisting and disarming an officer in the killing of Soderberg with his own weapon outside a South Side police station.
Brewer is also accused of firing shots at a man sitting across the street -- a contractor by the name of Richard Mints -- and stealing his tool bag, said Assistant State’s Attorney John Dillon.
Responding officers exchanged gunfire with Brewer, wounding him.
Brewer pleaded not guilty to the charges on Thursday and a status hearing was set for Oct. 4, said Cook County State's Attorney's office spokesman Andy Conklin.
Brewer was arrested four years ago, accused of shooting his brother on Independence Day. Police said he made a confession at that time, but the aggravated battery case was later dismissed. Family members said Brewer has a history of mental illness
