This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A man suspected of exchanging gunfire with Iron County deputies made his initial appearance in court Tuesday, where he was appointed legal counsel and given a January preliminary hearing date.
Grant Louise Biedermann Jr., 41, was charged Monday in 5th District Court with two counts of first-degree felony attempted aggravated murder, two counts of third-degree felony assault by a prisoner and one count of class B misdemeanor carrying a dangerous weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Biedermann engaged in a gun battle Friday afternoon with an officer at Beidermann's home, at 33 N. Main St. in Kannarraville, according to police.
According to a probable cause statement, officers were called to the area on a "suicidal subject." When they arrived at Biedermann's residence, they asked the man to come outside, but when Biedermann finally exited the residence, he was carrying a rifle. Officers ordered Biedermann to drop the weapon several times, but he allegedly raised the weapon toward the officers and opened fire, according to court documents.
One officer was struck, while the other officer returned fire. A bullet grazed Biedermann's head, and he was hospitalized before being booked into the Iron County jail on Monday.
The injured deputy, 27-year-old Kellen Hudson, was treated and released from Valley View Medical Center in Cedar City with a minor injury to his hip.
A preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 8 before Judge John Walton in Cedar City.
Biedermann faces up to life in prison if convicted of the attempted murder counts.
Twitter: @jm_miller