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Accused courthouse shooter deemed competent to stand trial

A jury has ruled the man prosecutors say opened fire in front of the Tulsa County Courthouse earlier this year competent to stand trial.

Andrew Joseph Dennehy, 24, shot and wounded a deputy before return fire struck him during the incident March 7.

Dennehy stands accused of two counts of shooting with intent to kill, one count of reckless conduct with a firearm, and one count of possessing a firearm after being found delinquent as a juvenile.

Witnesses say Dennehy fired shots into the air outside the courthouse, and when deputies responded to the disturbance, leveled his gun at them and again opened fire.

Tulsa County Deputy David Fortenberry was wounded when at least one bullet hit him in the hands as he moved to draw and fire.

Other deputies brought Dennehy down before anyone else got hurt.

Wednesday's jury trial was only to determine whether Dennehy had the mental capacity to understand the charges against him and assist in his own defense.

The defense team can still enter a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity or mental defect during a criminal trial.

The jury deliberated for about an hour before finding Dennehy competent.

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