Cop: Shooting Nursing Home Patient, 95, Was Necessary
(CBS) – The suburban police officer accused of reckless conduct in the death of an unruly 95-year-old nursing home patient took the stand in his own defense Thursday, saying his actions were justified.
In his hour-long testimony, Park Forest Police Officer Craig Taylor told the court he followed his training, followed procedure and used only necessary force to disarm John Wrana.
"When I saw John Wrana with the knife in his hand," he said, "threatening to kill me and my fellow officers, I was afraid, in fear of my life, and felt I had to do something."
Taylor hit the World War II veteran with four bean bag rounds from a 12-gauge shotgun. He was following his training, Taylor said, aiming for less lethal areas, like the abdomen.
"It's a major muscle group, and it's likely to cause less injury," the officer testified.
Wrana's family -- silent during the trial until Thursday -- said they were insulted by defense assertions that after being shot, Wrana wanted to die.
But the doctor that treated Wrana said the elderly man repeatedly refused surgery.
"He said he didn't want surgery. He wanted to die and he said it over and over again," Dr. Steven Salzman said.
Taylor is an 11-year-veteran of the Park Forest Police Department. He is married with five children.
If found guilty of felony reckless conduct, he faces up to three years in prison. The trial is expected to conclude Friday.