CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A Wyoming prosecutor says a man shot and killed by police had induced a confrontation with officers with the intention of ending his life.
Douglas Oneyear was shot shortly before midnight on Feb. 25 in Casper after he reportedly swung a sword at a passing car and assaulted a convenience store clerk.
Prosecutors cleared both officers who were involved with the shooting. Oneyear’s family has said he was carrying a toy sword and didn’t pose a threat that required deadly force.
In a letter provided to the Casper Star-Tribune, Natrona County District Attorney Michael Blonigen wrote that officers faced a “suicide by cop situation” and had no choice but to shoot Oneyear, who had mental illness and substance abuse issues.
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Information from: Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune, http://www.trib.com