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Finley, N.D. (AP) The trial of a man accused of shooting an officer during a standoff in April is under way in Finley.

Darin Dahl is charged with attempted murder and reckless endangerment.

Authorities say the 35-year-old Dahl fired on officers from a Luverne home during a 20-hour standoff that started April 9.

Steele County prosecutor Charlie Stock told jurors that Dahl fired a 12-gauge shotgun and struck a Red River Valley SWAT team member in the helmet. He said it otherwise would have been the officer's forehead.

Stock said officers fired tear gas to end the standoff and moved in after they saw Dahl leaning out of a window and coughing.

Dahl's attorney, Blake Hankey, said he will give his opening statement later.

Eight women and five men are hearing the case. The trial is expected to last the rest of the week.

Information from: Grand Forks Herald, http://www.grandforksherald.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-03-09 0815CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list