TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A man accused of helping a Topeka police officer’s killer escape is scheduled to go on trial next year.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the trial of 31-year-old Randy Allen Ridens Jr., of Topeka, will begin Feb. 29. The date was set Thursday during a hearing in Shawnee County District Court.
Ridens is charged with obstructing apprehension of Ross Preston Lane, who pleaded guilty in July in the September 2014 slaying of Jason Harwood. The 40-year-old police corporal was shot three times after stopping Lane’s car for speeding.
Prosecutors allege Ridens helped Lane escape by giving him a ride on a stolen motorcycle. Ridens also is charged with possession of a stolen motorcycle.
Ridens wasn’t in court, but was represented by an attorney from the firm handling his case.
