Police Chief Said Officers Justified in Shooting

KILGORE — Kilgore police were on the scene for about eight minutes before Monday morning’s fatal shooting of a troubled 19-year-old man who reportedly stabbed two officers and was said to be about to stab again, Kilgore Police Chief Todd Hunter said Thursday. An electronic stun device, which officers never got a chance to use, was found on the ground nearby. In interviews Thursday, Hunter said that while questions have been raised about the officers’ handling of the situation, his early assessment was that it was appropriate.

“A knife is a deadly weapon,” he said. “When an officer finds himself fighting for his life or the life of another, deadly force is the only option. When forced to utilize their weapon, officers are taught to shoot to stop, not kill or wound. When faced with a deadly encounter, our only goal is to stop the threat.”

The Texas Rangers are investigating events that led to the Monday morning shooting of Jamel Freeman, 19, who police said attacked two officers with a knife. Later Monday, the department said the man was mentally unstable and was known to officers.