Originally published Friday, July 24, 2009 at 12:52 PM
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Officer cleared in Lakewood police shooting
An investigation has cleared the Lakewood police officer who shot and killed a man who was armed with a knife.
An investigation has cleared the Lakewood police officer who shot and killed a man who was armed with a knife.
Pierce County Prosecutor Gerald Horne announced Friday the death was justifiable homicide.
The prosecutor's office says its investigation with the Lakewood police department and Pierce County medical examiner's office determined that officer Brian Wurts had reason to fear for his life when he shot Curtis Wetzel.
Wetzel had refused orders to drop the knife and approached to within 17 feet of the officer May 6 in a mobile home when Wurts fired.
The officer had responded to a domestic violence call. The 37-year-old Wetzel had been drinking and had an alcohol level more than three times the limit for driving.
Copyright © The Seattle Times Company
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