MADISON (AP) — Prosecutors have cleared a Madison police officer who shot and killed a man last month of any criminal wrongdoing.
Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne released a statement Thursday saying a homeowner awoke to find his neighbor, Paul Heenan, in his house on Nov. 9. Heenan had been drinking and was confused.
The homeowner’s wife called police. Officer Stephen Heimsness arrived with his weapon drawn. According to Ozanne’s statement, both Heimsness and the homeowner said Heenan charged Heimsness. The officer said he thought Heenan was trying to grab his gun and he fired because he feared for his life.
Ozanne concluded Heimsness didn’t violate any statutes. The prosecutor says anyone who believes he or she faces a genuine threat of deadly force can respond with deadly force.
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