Missouri Senator Wants Harsh Penalties for Assaulting Police

  A Missouri lawmaker wants ramped-up penalties for those who assault police officers in the wake of what law enforcement officials say is an alarming spike in ambush-style attacks.

Republican state Sen. Doug Libla on Wednesday said he's drafting legislation for the session that begins in January.

Missouri law currently allows for increased penalties for so-called special victims, including law enforcement. Libla wants to take that further.

Republican Gov.-elect Eric Greitens also says he'll push for the "strictest possible punishments" for assaulting police.

Libla's announcement comes after a St. Louis police sergeant was shot twice in the face Sunday evening while he sat in traffic in a marked police vehicle. He was released from a hospital Monday.

The shooting was one of four across the country Sunday involving police officers.

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