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District Attorney Bryant Dunaway has ruled a White County officer-involved shooting last month was justified.
Michael Dial died from a gunshot wound,ending a high-speed pursuit through DeKalb and White counties.
Dunaway said Wednesday the TBI investigated the shooting at his request.
“That file was delivered to my office, I have reviewed it, and the conclusion is I feel like the officers’ actions in discharging their firearms were appropriate under the circumstances, necessary to stop any further threat of violence presented by Mr. Dial’s actions at the time,” Dunaway said.
Dunaway said Dial’s motive still isn’t clear, but the autopsy report shows methamphetamine, amphetamines and marijuana were in his system when he died.
“Anytime a life is lost it’s a tragedy, our sympathy goes out to the family of Mr. Dial, and we wish things were different. But we’re glad all others involved were safe and we hope we don’t have to deal with incidents like this in the future,” Dunaway said.
The shooting took place on April 12 on Highway 111 northbound. Three officers were injured in the chase.
