LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – A prosecutor has declined to file criminal charges against a police officer in northeast Arkansas who fatally shot a man in early April, saying the shooting was justifiable because the man disregarded the officer’s orders and attacked her.
Blytheville police officer Leann Norman shot and killed 35-year-old Marzues Scott on April 7.
The Arkansas Democrat Gazette reports that Scott Ellington, the 2nd Judicial District’s prosecuting attorney, stated the decision in a letter to investigators Friday. Ellington cited an Arkansas law that permits officers to use deadly force if it’s in self-defense.
Authorities say Norman responded to calls about a disturbance at a convenience store when police found Scott, identified as a suspect, across the street at an inn.
Police say Scott then attacked Norman, who subsequently shot him multiple
times.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI