William Goddard Jr.

The Fort Dodge man charged with attempted murder in the flare gun shooting of a man in July has pleaded not guilty, according to a written arraignment filed Monday.

William Goddard Jr., 32, was arrested July 22 after police say he shot a 52-year-old man with a flare gun in an attempt to kill him. After shooting twice at the man in the 500 block of South 15th Street, he is seen on video pushing the victim to the ground and striking him with a blunt object numerous times.

Before fleeing the crime scene, he struck the victim lying on the ground with his vehicle. Police do not believe the attack was a random act.

The victim was subsequently transported to UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries. He suffered at least two strikes in the upper torso and face from the flare gun rounds.

In addition to attempted murder, the defendant is charged with going armed with intent, a Class D felony. Attempted murder is a Class B felony that carries a sentence of up to 25 years in prison with the requirement that a minimum of 70% be served.