Special prosecutor: Kansas City police officer acted in self defense in shooting of Malcolm Johnson
The Saint Louis County prosecutor has released a report stating that a Kansas City police officer acted reasonably in self-defense and in the defense of others when he shot and killed Malcolm Johnson nearly two years ago.
The incident took place at a gas station where officers were trying to arrest Johnson.
Police maintain that Johnson shot an officer in the leg, and that’s when officers returned fire.
Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker had requested a special prosecutor to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest in this case.
The Saint Louis County prosecutor expressed regret over the loss of Johnson’s life, as well as the injury to the police officer who was also shot in the incident.
Kansas City, Missouri Police Chief Stacy Graves has released a statement acknowledging that no police officer wants to be in a situation where they get injured or have to cause injury to someone else.
She recognizes that there is still work to do in the community to build trust.
Although the legal conclusions have been reached, any loss of life and injury to an officer is tragic.
The incident highlights the need for continued efforts to improve relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
