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Man ruled competent for trial in attack on officer

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A man accused of ambushing a Philadelphia police officer in what prosecutors say was an ISIS-inspired attack has been ruled competent for trial.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that a judge on Monday rejected arguments that 32-year-old Edward Archer wasn’t mentally fit to participate in his defense.

Defense attorney Trevan Borum cited unusual behavior witnessed by the defendant’s family and his refusal to speak to his attorney or submit to mental health evaluations. The judge agreed with prosecutors in ruling that Archer was aware of the charges and simply chose not to cooperate.

Archer is scheduled for trial next month on charges including attempted murder and aggravated assault in the January 2016 attack on Officer Jesse Hartnett in his patrol car. Hartnett, who returned fire, spent two weeks in the hospital.