KELSO — The Cowlitz County prosecutor says officers were justified in killing a man who fired at them in a shootout at a west Kelso home.
Prosecutor Sue Baur said Wednesday that Kelso Officer Ralph Hines and sheriff’s Deputy Danny O’Neill acted lawfully in self-defense March 2 when they shot Jesse McMillan.
Hines was wounded in the leg in the shootout.
McMillan’s wife, Kala McMillan told The Daily News that officers used excessive force and the criminal justice system failed her husband, a felon diagnosed with schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder.
Police tracked the 26-year-old McMillan to his mother’s home after he was involved in a hit-and-run accident.
Police say he refused commands and fired at the officers who returned fire.
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