Yakima County deputy cleared in fatal shooting after chase

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) — The Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney has ruled a county sheriff's deputy was justified when he fatally shot a man following a high-speed chase in November.

The Yakima Herald-Republic says Joe Brusic on Tuesday cleared Deputy Matt Steadman of wrongdoing.

Brusic said the deputy feared for his life when he fired at a car driven by Anthony La Violette, who had led police on a chase on U.S. Highway 12.

Steadman told investigators he ordered La Violette to stop the car. He fired four shots throughout the windshield when the car headed toward him, fatally wounding La Violette.

The Washington State Patrol investigated the shooting.

Reached by cellphone on Monday, Steadman said he was on vacation and declined comment to the newspaper.