Two Pennsylvania troopers' actions in firing back at a suspect who reportedly resisted arrest and then shot at them, critically wounded one trooper, were justified, according to the local district attorney.
A Nov. 7 traffic stop turned into a roadside struggle that escalated in seconds, authorities said Thursday, the motorist trying to grab one trooper's handgun from its holster and continuing to fight even after he was twice shocked with a stun gun, reports the Morning Call.
The entire encounter on Route 33 in Plainfield Township was captured on video and audio recordings that document it in a "very clear manner," Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli said at a news conference.
Having watched that video, Morganelli said, he has nothing but praise for the restraint Cpl. Seth J. Kelly and Trooper Ryan Seiple showed before their suspect was able to break free, grab a gun from his car, and open fire, critically injuring Kelly.
Morganelli offered the words of appreciation as he formally cleared the troopers of wrongdoing in the shooting, saying they were justified in returning fire at 22-year-old Daniel Khalil Clary of the Effort section of Chestnuthill Township, Monroe County, who was wounded and who faces charges of attempting to murder Kelly and Seiple.
More than a week later, Kelly continues to recover from gunshot wounds to his neck, shoulder, and thigh, but his condition has been characterized as stable.
