Man accused of assaulting Iowa City officer may claim self-defense

The University of Iowa student charged with attempting to murder an Iowa City police sergeant after a routine stop in November could argue defenses of intoxication or self-defense if his case goes to trial.

The Iowa City Press-Citizen reports that 20-year-old Branden Plummer's attorney listed those possible defenses in a court filing Wednesday.

Police say Plummer attacked Sgt. Brian Krei after he was stopped for walking through traffic in downtown Iowa City. Plummer is accused of choking Krei and then slamming the officer's head into a concrete sidewalk before fleeing the scene.

Plummer is free after posting a $100,000 bond. In addition to attempted murder, he also faces a charge of willful injury.

Plummer has pleaded not guilty to the offenses. Trial is scheduled Feb. 21.