PORT ORCHARD, Wash. (AP) — The Kitsap County prosecutor says a Bainbridge Island police officer was justified in killing a man who threatened officers with an ax.
Prosecutor Russ Hauge (HOG’-ee) wrote Wednesday that Officer Jeff Benkert was justified in shooting Douglas Ostling last October. Ostling was holding an ax over another officer who had tripped and fallen on his back after trying to fire a Taser.
The 43-year-old Ostling had a history of mental illness and had called 911 screaming questions. Responding officers found him holding the ax.
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Information from: Kitsap Sun, http://www.kitsapsun.com/
