The shooting scene on John Peet Road last March
/ file photo
WAMPSVILLE -- A Grand Jury has determined that two police officers were justified in fatally shooting a 17-year-old who pointed a pellet gun at them last March.
On March 31, police in Madison County responded to a report of a carjacking, and chased 17-year-old Justin Arnold through parts of the county before ending up on John Peet Road in the Town of Sullivan. Police later said that the initial 911 call came from Arnold himself, who reported the car as stolen.
When Canastota Police Chief James Zophy and Officer Sean Barton attempted to apprehend Arnold after a short chase, he pointed a pistol at them, which was later determined to be a pellet gun. The officers repeatedly demanded Arnold drop the gun, and when he refused they fired ten times, hitting him four times and killing him.
On Monday, a Madison County Grand Jury found that Zophy and Barton “were justified in the discharge of their weapons in the performance of their duties.” Prosecutors say the Grand Jury’s decision closes the case and concludes the investigation.
Zophy is a 17-year police veteran, and Barton has been on the force for seven years.
The car that Arnold had reported as stolen belonged to a family member. State Police say they later found a suicide note left behind by Arnold on an electronic device.
Do you think police were justified in this case? Or could more have been done before they pulled the trigger? Leave a comment below and give us your opinion.
