Man Accused of Choking Police Officer is Released on Bond

University of Iowa student Branden L. Plummer, 20, arrives in the courtroom for a bond reduction hearing Monday at the Johnson County District Courthouse in Iowa City. Judge Paul Miller upheld Plummer's current $100,000 cash only bond. Plummer is charged with attempted murder after assaulting Iowa City police Sgt. Brian Krei around 1:20 a.m. Nov. 18 near the intersection of Burlington and Linn streets in downtown Iowa City. (Brian Ray/ SourceMedia Group News)

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By Kara Kelly

Story Created: Dec 27, 2011 at 6:40 PM CDT

Story Updated: Dec 27, 2011 at 6:40 PM CDT

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa student accused of choking out an Iowa City police officer has been released on bond.

Branden L. Plummer, 20, of Urbandale, posted the $100,000 cash bond Tuesday. Plummer has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder and willful injury in Johnson County.

Plummer’s attorney challenged the cash-only bond earlier this month, calling it excessive. Judge Paul Miller disagreed and upheld the bond, saying it was necessary to ensure Plummer attended future court proceedings and to protect the public.

Prosecutors have accused Plummer of choking Sgt. Brian Krei with the Iowa City Police Department unconscious near the corner of Burlington and Linn Streets in the early morning hours of November 18. Sgt. Krei had allegedly stopped Plummer for blocking traffic at the intersection.

Sgt. Krei was choked, had his head slammed into the concrete and briefly lost consciousness, police said. A few bystanders helped stop the two-minute attack, and the suspect fled the scene. Video and audio from Sgt. Krei’s squad car captured part of the assault. An image of the suspect from a surveillance camera at a nearby restaurant led police to arrest Plummer.

Sgt. Krei was able to return to duty soon after the attack.

Plummer’s trial is scheduled for February 21, 2012.