Possible mental health evaluation for accused shooter

CYNTHIANA, Ky. (WTVQ) – A man accused of shooting at a utility company helicopter and Harrison County sheriff’s deputies may undergo a mental health evaluation before his next court appearance, according to court officials. 

Investigators captured Thomas VanMeter last month after a lengthy manhunt in the White Oak Pike area of Harrison County.

On September 11, deputies went to check on VanMeter at the request of a relative.  Investigators say that’s when he shot at a helicopter contracted to Kentucky Utilities.  No one was hit and the pilot was able to safely land.  Deputies say VanMeter then shot at them.  No one was hit or injured.  They say that’s when VanMeter ran off, which led to the manhunt.  He was captured the next day. 

VanMeter was indicted by a Harrison County Grand Jury on eight counts of attempted murder, including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. 

He pleaded not guilty to all charges on Tuesday and waived his right to a formal arraignment, according to court records. 

He’s due back in court December 5 for a pre-trial hearing.