KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) — A Kennewick police officer who shot and killed a Richland man during a traffic stop last year will not face federal charges.
U.S. Attorney James McDevitt in Spokane told the Tri-City Herald his office has closed its investigation of Officer Lee Cooper.
Cooper claimed he opened fire when 39-year-old Christopher Villarreal tried to ram his car backward into the officer’s motorcycle last September. Some witnesses said the car appeared to be rolling slowly.
Kennewick Police Chief Ken Hohenberg said the announcement from McDevitt on Friday was not a surprise, but it was still a relief to have his officer vindicated.
