Man who shot police officer sentenced to life in prison

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Update: Demetrius Patterson has been sentenced to life in prison.

A man accused of trying to kill an Orlando police officer was found guilty of attempted first-degree murder late Thursday afternoon.  Demetrius Patterson, 25, could face a sentence of life in prison.

Prosecutors said he shot Officer Jason Hajek at least three times during a foot pursuit that began as a traffic stop back in July of 2013. The defense tried to argue that Patterson was in fear of his life and trying to escape.  The jury did not buy that argument and returned with a guilty verdict within an hour.

Our news partners at the Orlando Sentinel are reporting Officer Hajek lost feeling in his leg and had to have reconstructive surgery as a result of injuries sustained from the shooting.  Hajek, 27, will retire from the police department for health issues later this year.