Transient Pleads Not Guilty to Trying to Shoot Homemade Gun at Officers

A homeless man accused of unsuccessfully trying to shoot a Redondo Beach police officer with a homemade weapon was jailed today while awaiting a hearing next month to determine if he will stand trial on attempted murder and other charges.

Norman Wallsh, 38, (who also goes by Alfredo Hernandez) pleaded not guilty Wednesday to one count each of attempted murder of a peace officer, shooting at an occupied vehicle and possession of a zip gun.

Wallsh is accused of aiming a zip gun at an officer and unsuccessfully trying to fire the weapon after officers responded Monday to reports that Wallsh shot his zip gun at a car window in Redondo Beach, according to prosecutors.

Wallsh is due back in a Torrance courtroom Oct. 8.

If convicted, he faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

--City News Service

PHOTO The zip gun used in an attack Monday on police officers. Courtesy the Redondo Beach Police Department.