SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) The suspect in the slaying of a Connecticut National Guardsman shot after a night on the town in Springfield before he was due to be deployed overseas has been held without bail.

Michael Rodriguez, of Holyoke, pleaded not guilty Thursday in Hampden Superior Court to the February 2009 slaying of 25-year-old Julian Cartie, of New Britain, Connecticut.

The 30-year-old Rodriguez was caught in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in December but fought extradition.

Authorities say Cartie, his brother and a friend visited several Springfield clubs and were headed to a restaurant at about 2 a.m. when they got in a dispute with other people in a car. Police say one of the car's occupants got out and opened fire, striking Cartie three times.

Rodriguez's lawyer reserved the right to seek bail in the future.