Police-involved shooting in Mid-Missouri “justified”

The police shooting of a California, Missouri, man has been ruled “justified,” according to the state highway patrol.

Around 1 a.m. Friday, September 4, the patrol’s drug and crime control division was contacted by the California police chief about an officer-involved shooting at 608 S. Taylor Street. California police were trying to arrest Nicholas Rodriguez for active warrants.

They say the suspect came out with what appeared to be an assault rifle. He was shot and taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Rodriguez told ABC 17 News he was shot for no reason.

This is Moniteau County Prosecuting AttorneyShayne Healea’s statement to ABC 17 News:

“The (Missouri State Highway Patrol) has concluded their investigation of the matter and have cleared the officer, finding the use of force justified.I have reviewed the evidence and reports as well and concur with the findings of the MSHP. Today (9.22.15) I filed charges on Nicholas Rodriguez in relation to the incident with one count of assault 2nd of a law enforcement officer, a C felony punishable by up to 7 years in prison. Rodriguez is in custody and will be arraigned here on 10/13 at 9am.”