By Trend News Line 2024-06-08 02:17:01.
Police Justified in Shooting of 80-Year-Old Man
State’s Attorney Dora Villarreal has concluded that the East Moline Police officers were justified in their use of deadly force in the tragic incident that resulted in the death of 80-year-old Eugene Mewes last month.
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The May 16 Altercation
The series of events began on May 16 when the police were summoned to the Hometown Harbor apartments following reports of an assault. An employee at the complex recounted how Eugene Mewes had attacked him after a dispute over maintenance work done at Mewes’ residence.
Mewes, in a fit of anger, proceeded to choke the employee, causing both of them to require medical treatment and be discharged on the same day.
The May 17 Shooting
The following day, on May 17, officers were once again called to the same location after receiving reports of a man with a gun. The employee from the previous day informed the police that Mewes had fired a shot at him, narrowly missing his target.
Officer Garrett Kistner approached Mewes, who was sitting on a motorized scooter, holding a semi-automatic pistol under his chin. Despite repeated orders to drop the gun, Mewes refused, prompting officers to open fire.
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The Tragic Outcome
Despite their efforts to assist Mewes and stabilize the situation, he succumbed to his injuries three days later. The officers involved, Lt. Dustin Edkin and Officer Garrett Kistner, were found to be free of drugs and alcohol at the time of the incident.
An investigation by the Integrity Task Force revealed that the use of deadly force was deemed necessary to protect the officers from the imminent threat posed by Mewes.
Justification for the Use of Deadly Force
The circumstances surrounding the incident supported the officers’ decision to resort to deadly force. Mewes’ possession of a weapon, his previous actions, and his refusal to comply with orders all contributed to the officers’ assessment of the situation.
The report highlighted the officers’ awareness of the potential danger posed by Mewes and their efforts to prevent harm to themselves and others in the vicinity. The tragic outcome underscored the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in such high-pressure situations.
In conclusion, the investigation into the shooting of Eugene Mewes sheds light on the complexities of police work and the difficult decisions officers are sometimes forced to make to ensure public safety..
– State’s attorney rules on deadly East Moline officer-involved shooting
– East Moline officer-involved shooting ruling by state’s attorney.
