Stolen dump truck chase that injured Buffalo police chief TJ Behning

Logan Shoemaker is on trial for five charges including attempted murder.

The 21-year-old’s attorney told the jury in his opening statement Tuesday that Shoemaker is guilty of some of the charges, but not attempted murder or willful injury. 

The State says Shoemaker intentionally drove the stolen garbage truck into Buffalo Police Chief TJ Behning.

Shoemaker’s attorney says he lost control of the truck and didn’t know he hit Behning.

Dashcam video of the chase and impact was shown in court. The video above stops at the point of impact. In court, the footage followed the truck until it ended up in the ditch.

Behning is expected to take the stand Wednesday morning. 

We’ll have the full story on Local 4 News at 5.

EARLIER STORY

Buffalo police chief TJ Behning makes progress a year later

June 6, 2018

BUFFALO, Iowa – It’s been almost a year since Buffalo Police Chief TJ Behning was severely injured during a police chase that took him off the streets.

“Within hours there were policemen there from all over the state of Iowa to support us and that to me is just amazing,” said Heidi Behning.

“From the call I got that he was being airlifted to Iowa City my main focus was TJ, but also to make sure that when my girls walked in that they weren’t scared to death,” she said.

Since then Behning has undergone several surgeries.
But his wife Heidi said her husband has been making tremendous progress..

“His spirits are amazing,” Behning said. “He is positive, he is 100% focused on getting better and he makes our family a better family,” she said.

Behning said since posting a video of her husband walking to the end of their driveway and back with a cane for the first time.
It has generated nearly 13,000 views with over 140 shares.

“Something that I think people take for granted is just a simple walk with your husband down the street,” Behning said. “It’s been long but it’s obviously been worth it and we’re nowhere close to giving up,” she said.

Although the top cops road to recovery is nowhere near over, his wife said every bit of progress is well worth the journey.

“No matter what he’s here,” Behning said. “I remember looking at the girls saying if he comes out of surgery with no legs your dad is still here and we’ll still make the best out of it and we’re going to be okay,” she said.

Authorities arrested Logan Shoemaker for injuring the police chief during the case.
He is charged with attempted murder, stalking with a dangerous weapon and first degree robbery, 
He’s scheduled to go on trial June 25th.