Self Defense is the Ruling for Non-Fatal Police Shooting

The San Bernadino County District Attorney’s office ruled, after a four-and-a-half month investigation, that a July shooting in California was conducted in self-defense and in the defense of others. The office stated in their ruling that there was no criminal liability for the police officer involved. The shooting was non-fatal.

On July 23rd the San Bernadino County Sheriff’s office responded to a call by sending a police officer to investigate a violent man in the Golden Coach Mobile Home Park in Apple Valley, California.

When the police officer confronted the suspect standing near a mobile home, he, the suspect, was holding three large knives. The suspect threw one of the knives at the police officer, narrowly missing him. The knife became lodged in the corner of the mobile home.

When the suspect raised a second knife to throw, the police officer shot the suspect in the abdomen, immobilizing him and neutralizing the threat of further violence. The suspect survived the shooting.

The investigation concluded that the shooting was in self-defense and therefore justified. Several witnesses corroborated the police officer’s story, so no charges were filed.

It is gratifying to know that police officers can defend themselves without facing excessive prosecution. These men and women put themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis and need to know that they can make tough calls to protect their lives and the lives of other citizens.