RAPID CITY, S.D. (KELO AM) State Attorney General Marty Jackley says a South Dakota Highway Patrolman properly used deadly force in a Rapid City standoff last month.
But what Trooper Michael Dale prevented could have been much worse.
During the standoff at an apartment, the Rapid City Journal reports that suspect Tim Holmgren told authorities the place was wired with explosives and "he was going to have a standoff with police just like San Bernadino."
A Rapid City officer approached and Holmgren pointed a black handgun at him--which unbeknownst to police, turned out to be a CO2 pellet gun.
Later, Holmgren pointed his weapon at Trooper Dale. Dale fired seven rounds, with six finding their mark, killing Holmgren.
Jackley says the investigation concluded that Trooper Dale was justified in shooting.
"I would like to thank the south Dakota Highway Patrol and Trooper Dale for their service and complete cooperation in this investigation," says Jackley, "and extend my condolences to the family of Tim Holmgren."