Pasco police officer cleared in fatal shooting of man holding fake gun

PASCO, Wash. (AP) — The Franklin County prosecutor says a Pasco police officer was justified in fatally shooting a man last September who refused to drop a realistic-looking gun.

KONA reports Prosecutor Shawn Sant found that Officer Tony Haworth feared for his life when he shot Matthew L. Stoddard.

Stoddard had been driving a stolen car when police caught up to him after a short chase.

The 25-year-old had served three prison terms and was released from the Franklin County jail six days before the shooting.