Judge Considering Mistrial Motion for Maynard Man

A Fayette County judge is considering whether or not to stop the attempted murder trial of a Maynard man.
33 year old Abel Quijas Jr. is accused of trying to run over an Oelwein Police officer in September of 2014.

Jurors in the Fayette County District courtroom heard opening arguments Thursday.

However, Quijas's attorney called for a mistrial, when one of the state's witnesses offered his opinion during testimony.

In the original incident, Oelwein police arranged for a controlled delivery of drugs that had been FedExed to Oelwein.

After officers made the delivery, Quijas attempted to flee in his car but officers tried to stop him; during a struggle, the officers drew their weapons. Both fired at Quijas twice as he drove toward police; he was later hospitalized for the wounds. Quijas fled, and was later located in a field.

One of the officers testified that it was clear Quijas was trying to kill the other policeman. It was that statement that prompted the defense to call for a mistrial.