Perry County, Pennsylvania – The Perry County District Attorney’s Office determined that the use of deadly force was lawful in an officer-involved shooting in October.
According to the District Attorney’s office, on October 3, a Marysville Police officer responded to an active assault. When the officer arrived at the scene, he was informed that a man, identified as Zachary Conroy, 41, was severely attacking an “old man.”
As the police approached the altercation, the victim begged him to stay away, crying, “He’s violent!” Stay away from him! “He is going to hurt you!” Conroy dashed toward the officer, who attempted to de-escalate the situation but was forced to draw his taser, according to the DA’s office.
Conroy was briefly incapacitated by the taser before standing up, knocking the officer to the ground, and repeatedly striking him in the head, according to the DA. In reaction to the threat to his life, the officer used his pistol in self-defense.
Conroy continued to fight despite being hit by many rounds. Multiple police responded to the scene throughout what the DA’s office described as a 20-minute struggle.
Police eventually apprehended Conroy and transferred him to a local hospital. The DA’s office claims he survived the encounter.
According to the DA’s office, under Pennsylvania law, officers may use force when they reasonably believe it is necessary to protect themselves or others from unlawful force that constitutes a threat of death or serious damage.
The use of force was authorized in this case because Conroy constituted a significant threat of death or serious injury, according to the DA’s office.
Source: Use of deadly force justified during violent assault in Perry County
