Virginia Police Officer Cleared in Fatal Shooting

VIRGINIA (AP) -- The St. Louis County attorney says a Virginia police officer was justified in fatally shooting a man last year.

Forty-one-year-old Scot Widmark died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the head Nov. 27. Authorities say Widmark was holding a man against his will on a sidewalk when Officer Nick Grivna arrived and shot him. A knife was recovered at the scene.

St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin said Thursday Grivna likely saved a citizen's life by shooting Widmark. Rubin says Grivna acted with professionalism, courage and compassion.

The case was investigated by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.