Prosecutor Rules Deputy Was Justified In Shooting

YAKIMA, WA - The Yakima County Prosecutor has made a ruling about a fatal officer involved shooting last November.  The Prosecutor says Yakima County Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Steadman was justified in using deadly force when he shot and killed Anthony La Violette.  During a chase with deputies, La Violette drove a stolen car off the road near the intersection of Highway 12 and Ackley road, then drove at Deputy Steadman standing near the car with his gun drawn.  The prosecutor says a witness inside the car testified that La Violette tried to run the deputy over and told the deputy to shoot him.  Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Brusic's entire letter to the Yakima County Sheriff's Office and Washington State Patrol explaining his decision is posted below.