DA clears police in deadly shooting at Eugene middle school
(Update: Correcting that officer fired two shots, one struck Landeros)
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Prosecutors say the actions by two police officers were justified in the recently deadly shooting of a man who showed up with a gun at a Eugene middle school amid a custody dispute.
The Oregonian/OregonLive reports Lane County District Attorney Patty Perlow announced the finding Thursday, saying 30-year-old Charles Landeros fired first and caused the officers to fear for their lives.
Perlow says Landeros refused to leave Cascade Middle School in Eugene when the school resource officers asked on Jan. 11.
A struggle erupted when the officers moved Landeros outside and told him he was under arrest.
Perlow says Landeros pulled out a handgun and fired two shots.
An officer fired one bullet that hit the pavement and later one directly at Landeros, striking him in the temple, which was the cause of death, the DA’s office said.
The prosecutor says Landeros’ daughter and two other people witnessed the shooting. Other students were nearby.