SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office says the use of deadly force by a West Valley City police officer was justified.
The office announced on Friday that it conducted a routine review and found that Officer Jason Vincent believed his life was in danger, justifying a fatal shooting.
The district attorney’s office says Vincent was on his way to work on January 14 when he noticed Jeffery Nielson slumped over a steering wheel in Draper, holding drug paraphernalia.
Vincent and Draper police officers found drugs in the man’s vehicle and pocket.
Nielson fought four officers when they tried to arrest him. Vincent said the man made stabbing motions with a knife while in a struggle with the police.
Vincent then shot Nielson five times, killing him.
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