KELSO, Wash. (AP) — The Cowlitz County prosecutor’s office says a Longview police officer was justified in shooting an armed man during a March 8 SWAT standoff in Kelso.
The office said Tuesday that 31-year-old William Wayne Rowton was suicidal and threatening to shoot at police so they would be forced to fire on him.
The Daily News reports an officer fired from about 200 feet away after Rowton pointed a revolver out a sliding glass door.
Police had responded because Rowton’s girlfriend had called 911, saying he was sending her suicidal text messages.
