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Ex-convict pleads not guilty in Calif. jail shooting

Former convict Thong Vang pleaded not guilty to attempted murder of two Calif. COs

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This photo provided by Fresno County Sheriff shows Thong Vang Two unarmed officers were critically injured after being shot by Vang, a visitor in the lobby of a central California jail, authorities said Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016.

Fresno County Sheriff via AP

Associated Press

FRESNO, Calif. — A former convict charged with the attempted murder of two jail officers in California has pleaded not guilty.

The Fresno Bee reports that Thong Vang stood in a yellow jail jumpsuit at Thursday’s arraignment.

Authorities say Vang shot the unarmed officers Saturday when they approached him after he cut to the front of the visitors’ line at the downtown Fresno jail.

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims said an officer shot in the face might leave the hospital soon. She said the other officer, who was shot in the head, remains in “very critical” condition.

Vang’s court-appointed attorney, Antonio Alvarez, told The Associated Press on Thursday that the public should withhold judgment until more is known.

Vang was released from prison in 2014 after serving 16 years for raping three girls.

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