Kingman police shooting justified, Mohave County attorney says

KINGMAN, Ariz. — A Kingman, Ariz., police officer was justified when he shot and killed a man holding a BB gun that looked real, the Mohave County attorney has determined.

The decision comes after Mohave County Attorney Matt Smith reviewed an internal police probe and an independent investigation conducted by the Mohave County Sheriff’s office.

An autopsy determined Ryan Burgess, 31, suffered five gunshot wounds to the chest March 11 when officer Chaz Truver opened fire after responding to a domestic disturbance call. Burgess’ mother summoned police saying her son was punching holes in walls and behaving in a violent manner.

Reports indicated that officers responding to the home at 2241 Lucille Avenue were greeted by Burgess, who approached them while pointing what looked like a Colt .45. He didn’t follow police orders to put down the gun.

Smith said officers had no way of knowing that the authentic-looking pistol replica was a BB gun.

“There is no basis for criminal charges,” Smith said in a June 1 correspondence. “Officer Truver acted in appropriate and justifiable self-defense.”