Yakima Police Clear Officer of Wrongdoing in Fatal Shooting

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) — Yakima police are recommending that no criminal charges be filed against an officer who fatally shot a man after responding to a domestic dispute.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reports that a police investigation has determined that the June 10 shooting of J. Juan Briseno-Ortega was justified. The Yakima County Prosecutor's Office will review the report to determine if charges should be filed against Officer Brad Althauser.

Police had responded to a West Valley home that Briseno-Ortega and his 52-year-old brother shared after a neighbor reported a fight between the two men.

Althauser told investigators Briseno-Ortega had a handgun tucked in his waistband, and that he hadn't complied with his commands to show his hands. The officer says he shot Briseno-Ortega as he tried to reach for his waistband.