NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - Two police officers who fatally shot a mentally ill man who attacked them with a knife have been cleared of wrongdoing.
The Virginian Pilot reports (https://bit.ly/2moYFDS ) that Norfolk prosecutors determined Thursday that officers Vernon Dozier and Chad Wacker acted in justifiable defense when they fired 13 shots at Willie Demetrius James on June 2 of last year. Commonwealth Attorney Greg Underwood said prosecutors would not seek criminal charges against the officers.
Police say James, whose psychological problems were known to family members and law enforcement, assaulted his sister and niece, and a relative ran outside to get two officers who were already in the area. Police say the officers shot James when he charged at them with a knife. James’ family maintains he did not have a knife.
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