Use of Deadly Force by Duluth Officer Ruled Legal

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) - The St. Louis County attorney says a Duluth police officer's use of deadly force was justified.

Marc Johnson was among the officers who responded to a report of a suicidal man last August. Joe Zontelli had apparently cut himself with a knife and had taken refuge in a basement room of a residence.

Johnson was the first to enter the room and ordered Zontelli to drop his knife. Johnson said Zontelli refused and moved toward officers with the knife. Johnson fired two shots.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigated the case, which then turned over their findings to the St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin.

He said the shooting does not justify consideration of criminal prosecution.