Former Officer Files Self-Defense Claim In Shooting Death

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WEST PALM BEACH (CBSMiami/AP) — A former Florida police officer is trying to have some serious charges dismissed.

Nouman Raja is charged with manslaughter and attempted murder in the shooting death of a black motorist.

Now Raja is claiming self-defense under the state's "stand your ground" law.

News outlets report that Nouman Raja's attorneys filed court documents Thursday asking the circuit judge to dismiss the charges. His trial is scheduled for April.

The former Palm Beach Gardens officer shot Corey Jones in October 2015.

Jones' car had broken down when he was confronted by Raja, who was working undercover.

Prosecutors say a taped conversation Jones had with a tow truck dispatcher shows Raja never identified himself before Jones pulled his gun. Jones had a concealed weapons permit.

Raja pulled his own gun and shot Jones.

Prosecutors say Raja lied to investigators, saying he identified himself. He's of South Asian descent.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)