photo by: Mike Yoder

Zachary James Ortiz

The trial for a Lawrence man shot by police after he allegedly leveled a shotgun at an officer in June 2014 is underway.

Zachary James Ortiz, 26, faces one felony count of aggravated assault and another count of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. His trial, which is scheduled to last through the week, began Monday.

Ortiz is accused of aiming a shotgun at Lawrence Police Officer Skyler Richardson.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Zachary James Ortiz

Richardson took the stand Tuesday and told jurors his recollection of the events.

Richardson said during earlier court proceedings that he had responded to a report of gunshots fired near the intersection of Kasold Drive and Harvard Road in the early-morning hours of June 23. He entered a house looking for Ortiz, who was reportedly drunk.

Inside the home, Richardson testified Tuesday, he saw Ortiz aiming a shotgun at him.

Fearing for his safety, Richardson — who was only three months out of the police academy — shot Ortiz in the leg, he said.

The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office later determined that Richardson’s use of force was justified.

Ortiz was flown to University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kan., where he was treated for his injuries. He was arrested on July 10, 2014, on suspicion of both threatening his father with a knife before police arrived and of threatening Richardson with the shotgun.

The trial of Ortiz, who is represented by attorney Cooper Overstreet, is scheduled to continue at 9 a.m. Wednesday.