The Maricopa County Attorney's Office announced on Tuesday that a Phoenix police officer will not face charges for criminal wrongdoing after he shot 34-year-old Rumain Brisbon.
Brisbon was unarmed but not cooperating with police at a Phoenix apartment complex on Dec. 2.
A spokesperson for the office says county investigators came to their conclusion after reviewing the county medical examiner's report and two reports from Phoenix police and the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
A statement released by the office reads in part:
"(Brisbon's) continued unwillingness to follow directions, while acting consistent with someone who possessed a weapon and not once communicating anything otherwise, placed the police officer in reasonable fear for his life. That (Brisbon) was not, in fact, in possession of a firearm renders the loss of life even more tragic but does not support a conclusion that the use of deadly force was unlawful under Arizona law."
Dan Raynak, an attorney representing Brisbon's family, said, "I'm not surprised at all. I believe there's a conflict of interest. I don't believe the Maricopa County Attorney's Office should have been involved in the investigation of this case."
