Use Of Deadly Force In June Police Pursuit, Shooting Justified By NH Attorney General
NEWTON, N.H. (CBS/AP) — New Hampshire's attorney general said the use of force by police was justified in the case of a man who led Massachusetts state troopers on a 40-mile, hour-long car chase into New Hampshire, where he was killed in a shootout.
Michael Brown, 40, of Presque Isle, Maine, died of a gunshot wound to the neck on June 15 June in the town of Newton, just across the state line.
"Mr. Brown's dangerous and potentially deadly actions prompted the troopers to fire," said AG Gordon MacDonald Wednesday.
At a press conference, MacDonald showed video clips from the Massachusetts State Police Airwing of the police chase and crash.
"They're making split second decisions and our policy is such it allows us to defend ourselves or others in that type of situation," said Mass. State Police Colonel Richard McKeon.
Authorities said police in Malden, Massachusetts, pursued Brown. They recognized he was wanted in Maine in connection with the sexual assault of a 16-year-old, firearms and stolen motor vehicle charges.
Police said Brown fired 15 shots at troopers and went the wrong way on Interstate 495.
Brown crashed into a tree in Newton. Attorney General Gordon MacDonald said Wednesday that Brown revved his truck toward the troopers and held a gun. The troopers opened fire and were not injured.
McKeon said, "I must say throughout this entire incident, I believe those troopers acted and professionally and used the best judgement."
Mass. State Police said they will be conducting their own administrative investigation.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
