A man charged in the killing of a Crystal Springs police officer has been convicted of capital murder.

Christopher Bridges was allowed to plead guilty to the charge Wednesday to avoid a death sentence. He had been convicted by a Copiah County jury in the Aug. 13, 2005 slaying of officer Timothy Webster. The rookie policeman was shot to death minutes after police pulled over a vehicle occupied by Bridges and two other men in Crystal Springs.

Police said Webster was shot once with his service revolver in a struggle with Bridges.

Shortly after the jury announced its verdict, the trial judge gave Bridges an opportunity to plead guilty and negotiate with prosecutors.

Bridges did and was sentenced to life in prison without parole, prosecutors said.