The Grand Traverse County Prosecutor's Office has determined that Traverse City police were justified in using lethal force when they shot and killed Darnell Wilson.
Wilson was killed the afternoon of March 13, in an apartment on Munson Avenue as police responded to a call about a domestic assault involving a knife.
County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg explained her decision in an email to reporters.
"Michigan law allows an individual who has not or is not engaged in the commission of a crime to use deadly force when the individual honestly and reasonably believes that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent the imminent death of or imminent great bodily harm to himself or herself or to another individual," she wrote.
The email continues:
"Body worn camera video from the incident shows that upon entering, officers immediately identified themselves as police and shouted, 'show us your hands.' Mr. Wilson got to his feet, holding a knife, and refused to drop the knife despite commands. Even as Officer Rozanski attempted less lethal force by deploying her taser, Mr. Wilson rushed towards the officers, his right arm in a blocking motion with the knife in his left hand. It was only at this time, when the threat of loss of life for fellow officers and themselves that Sgt. Shea and Officer Bock discharged their duty weapons at Mr. Wilson."
This is a developing story and this post will be updated.
