Prosecutor Reports Spokane Police Officer Justified in Shooting Man

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — The Spokane County Prosecutor's Office says a Spokane police officer was justified in shooting a man who was pointing a BB gun at him at a motel.

The Spokesman-Review reports the prosecutor's office said Tuesday it was reasonable for Officer Shane Phillips to use deadly force on May 2.

Authorities say Aaron Johnson had called 911 several times to say a roommate was threatening him with weapons. Phillips and Officer Stephen Anderson went to Johnson's room and took cover in the hallway when confronted with the realistic-looking gun.

Prosecutors say Johnson followed into the hallway with the weapon in a shooting position. Phillips told Johnson to stop and get on the floor, and fired when Johnson continued approaching him.

Phillips shot Johnson multiple times. Johnson was treated at a Spokane hospital and jailed four days later on assault charges.