LIHUE, Kauai — Prosecutors on Kauai have ruled that police were justified in shooting a 21-year-old in his car in Nawiliwili in August.
The Garden Island newspaper reported Friday that the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney says it declined to file criminal charges against the officers involved.
Prosecutors say the officers were defending themselves or other officers.
Police approached Mason Saio in a car in August during a check for criminal activity in the area. Authorities say he was holding two guns.
Prosecutors say Saio disobeyed several commands to drop his guns and leave the car, then pointed a loaded shotgun at the officers.
Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry says the incident was a tragedy for everyone involved. He says the officers were put in an untenable position to use deadly force.