Pocono News Section

DA Report: Deadly Shooting was Justified

DA Report: Deadly Shooting was Justified - Monday, June 15, 2009 at 7:02PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Jun 15, 2009 @ 07:02pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - More than two weeks after a deadly shooting involving Scranton police officers, the Lackawanna County District Attorney has cleared them of any wrongdoing. In a news conference Monday afternoon, District Attorney Andy Jarbola said the police shooting was justified.

Brenda Williams, 52, was shot five times inside her North Scranton apartment building on May 28th.

"It is my opinion, the officers were justified and no criminal charges will be filed against them," Jarbola said.

The four officers were also identified for the first time Monday. They are Corporal Robert Stanek. He has 16 years experience and fired his gun once. Officer James Smith was also involved. He fired his gun twice. Officer Jason Knock was also inside William's apartment. He fired his gun twice. The final officer involved was Eric Jordan. He did not fire any shots.

The D. A. says Williams was armed with an 8-inch knife at the time she started coming at officers. She was hit by police bullets five times.

"Police are not trained to wound. They are supposed to shoot center mass," Jarbola said.

Prosecutors used a chart of William's apartment to show that she was within four feet of the officers at the time the incident happened. The D. A. also confirmed Williams had mental issues and may have been off her medicine at the time of the incident.

Jarbola faulted mental health officials for not doing enough to help Williams. Her family had been trying to get her help for days.

After the news conference, Eyewitness News got in touch with Brenda Williams family. Her brother said they do not agree with the findings, but would not comment further. They would also not discuss potential civil action concerning the shooting.

As for the four Scranton police officers, three of them were back on the road as of 4:00 PM Monday afternoon. The fourth officer is expected to return to regular duty on Tuesday.