An Independence man has been charged in connection with the shooting on Wednesday of an Independence police officer who was responding to a call at a hotel on US 40 Highway, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today.

Brandon R. Mitchell, dob: 10/8/1992, faces Assault 2nd Degree on Law Enforcement Officer in the 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action.*

According to court records, the officer was shot when he struggled with the defendant after responding to a call on U.S. 40 Highway at the Deluxe Inn. The officer and the defendant fell onto a bed in a room. They struggled and a shot was fired. The officer was shot in the foot.

Prosecutors have requested a bond of $50,000.

*Charges are only accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or has pleaded.