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Idaho State trooper cleared in fatal shooting after chase

Posted at 5:36 AM, Jun 27, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-27 07:36:17-04

BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho State Police says prosecutors have exonerated a trooper who shot and killed a man during an altercation last year.

The shooting happened on Nov. 19, 2018 when trooper Justin Ward pulled over 41-year-old Christopher E. Williams of Boise. Williams fled on his motorcycle, and Ward gave chase. When the pursuit ended at a dead-end road, police said the two got into a physical altercation. The ISP says during the struggle Williams tried to take Ward's gun; that's when Ward fired the gun, striking Williams.

Ward attempted life-saving first aid but Williams died at the scene. An autopsy later found Williams had both amphetamine and methamphetamine in his system when he died.

ISP spokesman Tim Marsano said a Critical Incident Task Force investigated the shooting and forwarded the results to prosecutors in both Twin Falls and Ada Counties.

Twin Falls Prosecutor Grant Loebs said there is no evidence to support a criminal charge against any law enforcement officers in connection with Williams' death.