DA: Shooting of knife-wielding resident justified

DA: Shooting of knife-wielding resident justified

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (AP) — Prosecutors say a suburban Philadelphia police officer acted appropriately when he fatally shot a knife-wielding man who called 911 to report a burglary then threatened the lives of responding officers.

Bucks County District Attorney David Heckler says the Middletown Township officer was justified in shooting 64-year-old Michael Devine inside his home in the early morning hours of Feb. 23.

Heckler said Wednesday that Devine reported a nonexistent burglary in order to get police to the house, then approached them with a large carving knife and threatened their lives.

Heckler said Devine had been depressed and family members had removed a handgun from the home over fears he might be suicidal.