Grand jury: Klamath Falls fatal police shooting justified

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) – A grand jury has cleared a Klamath Falls police officer in a fatal shooting last month.

The Herald and News reports the Klamath County jury examined video footage of the Nov. 24 shooting in which Officer Taylor Herbst shot Emilio Hernandez, who was wanted on suspicion of attempted murder.

Eyewitnesses said Hernandez ignored orders to surrender and struggled with Herbst on the ground. When Hernandez got up and fled, the officer opened fire.

Relatives of Hernandez said the officer was wrong to shoot a fleeing subject, but the grand jury decided Herbst’s actions were within the law.

Klamath Falls Police Chief Dave Henslee said he was pleased with the finding. He said the department will respond to concerns from a family whose home was struck by bullets, and the city will pay for repairs.

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Information from: Herald and News, http://www.heraldandnews.com