N. Idaho Officer Cleared after Deadly Shooting

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho (AP) — A northern Idaho prosecutor says no charges will be filed against a Coeur d'Alene police officer who shot and killed a man armed with two knives. Bonner County Prosecuting Attorney Louis Marshall in the recent decision says a body camera worn by Officer Spencer Mortensen captured the Aug. 25 shooting. Marshall says the most plausible theory is that 35-year-old Eric B.

Johnston of Dalton Gardens advanced toward Mortensen with the intent to commit suicide by cop. Marshall says Mortensen clearly announced himself and tried to prevent the situation from escalating. But Johnston refused commands and started walking toward Mortensen, who fired five times.

The Idaho State Police investigated the shooting and Kootenai County Prosecutor Barry McHugh asked Marshall to review the findings to determine if charges should be filed.