KGMI News
by Dillon Honcoop

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The police officer who shot and killed a stabbing suspect on a Bellingham street last month was justified, according to a ruling Monday from the Whatcom County Prosecutor.

Officer Jeremiah Leland shot Manuel Gonzales and he died at the scene near the downtown Bellingham Whatcom Transportation Authority bus station.

Whatcom County Prosecutor Dave McEachran says Leland was justified in using deadly force against Gonzales because he had refused commands to drop his knife and had just stabbed someone moments before lunging at the officer.

McEachran also noted Gonzales’ history of violent attacks in the ruling.