Washougal man on trial in Astoria

ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) — A trial is under way in Astoria for a Washington state man accused of trying to kill police officers.

The Daily Astorian reported that Russian-born Yvegeniy Savinskiy of Washougal is accused of attempted aggravated murder and other charges.

He was wounded in 2012 after police went to a motel to investigate a report of weaponry in his room.

Officer Joe Symonds testified this week he fired 15 to 20 rounds after Savinskiy aimed a firearm at him.

The paper said authorities initially believed Savinskiy fired at the officer, but forensic evidence showed he didn’t.

Savinskiy testified Thursday he left his room with an AR-15 in hand intending to show it wasn’t loaded. He said he didn’t know the armed, black-clad people in the parking lot were police.