EASTON, Pa. (AP) - The Latest on a Pennsylvania State Police policy of investigating shootings involving its own troopers (all times local):
4:30 p.m.
Pennsylvania State Police says it has “strict guidelines and protocols” to investigate shootings by its own troopers.
State police issued a statement Wednesday after a county prosecutor said a grand jury has been investigating whether it’s appropriate for state police to investigate trooper-involved shootings.
Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli has been sharply critical of state police for refusing to relinquish its probe of the fatal shooting of a suicidal man. The prosecutor then convened a grand jury to do an independent investigation of the May 20 shooting of Anthony Ardo. The grand jury said the shooting was justified.
State police spokesman Cpl. Adam Reed says the department “has the resources in place to conduct unbiased, independent investigations at all times.”
___
3:25 p.m.
A Pennsylvania grand jury is investigating whether it’s appropriate for state police to investigate shootings by its own troopers.
Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli said the panel has been hearing testimony on the policy and should be ready to issue a report in a few weeks.
Morganelli has been sharply critical of state police for refusing to relinquish its probe of the fatal shooting of a suicidal man. The prosecutor then convened a grand jury to do an independent investigation of the May 20 shooting of Anthony Ardo.
Morganelli said Wednesday the grand jury determined the shooting was justified. Troopers say Ardo ignored their commands and attempted to light the fuse of an explosive device around his neck while he was sitting in his car. Troopers then shot him.
___
11:35 a.m.
A Pennsylvania prosecutor is planning to discuss his investigation into a fatal shooting by state police troopers.
Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli has been sharply critical of state police for refusing to relinquish its probe of the May 20 shooting to his office. Morganelli then convened a grand jury to do an independent investigation.
State police were called to the home for a man threatening suicide. Police say 47-year-old Anthony Ardo tried to light the fuse of an explosive device around his neck that turned out to be a firework.
Troopers say Ardo ignored their commands and attempted to light the fuse near troopers. Troopers then shot him.
Guidelines issued by the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association say that police shootings should be investigated by an independent agency.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.