A Newtownabbey man faces serious charges after allegedly shooting an off-duty PSNI officer
Newtownabbey: A man has been in court after being charged with shooting an off-duty police officer. Kyle Knell, 29, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
He’s facing nine charges, including attempted murder. This incident happened on Beverley Road around 9:30 PM on Monday. The officer involved is currently vulnerable due to his injuries.
Other charges against Knell include unlawfully imprisoning and assaulting another man, assaulting a woman, and possessing a Glock 17 with ammunition. These charges suggest he intended to cause serious harm.
He was also charged with having a loaded firearm while under the influence and stealing a Glock magazine and ammo that belonged to the PSNI. Plus, he trespassed at another location in Newtownabbey with a firearm.
In court, Knell, dressed in a grey T-shirt and sweatpants, only confirmed he understood the charges. A PSNI officer linked him to the incident, stating it wasn’t a targeted attack and seemed unplanned.
No bail was requested, and the court ordered a mental health inquiry for Knell. Legal aid was granted, and the case is set to return to court on February 6, possibly sooner.
