WOMAN PLEADS NOT GUILTY IN RUNNING OVER STATE POLICEMEN - Sgt. Aaron Nichols Seriously Injured During Incident

(04/17/2013)
Jennifer Elaine Garretson of Kanawha County, accused of running down state trooper Sgt. Aaron Nichols with her car to escape a shoplifting charge, pleaded not guilty Monday.

Garretson will go on trial Aug. 5 for malicious wounding and petty larceny.

She is accused of hitting Nichols with her car as she fled from a St. Albans store parking lot, the officer was attempting to stop her. She is also facing other charges.

Sgt. Nichols is recovering from his injuries, including a substantial hearing loss.

Nichols, a native of Clay, was a former detachment commander in Wirt County.

Garretson is currently being held for an alleged parole violation with bond at $150,000.

Authorities said because of the parole violation, Garretson could not be released even if bond were posted.

Authorities said the woman has a history of addiction to drugs.

See related story DRUG ADDICTED WOMAN WHO RAN OVER SGT. NICHOLS IN COURT - Officer Out Of ICU, 'Long Road To Recovery'