The Rock County District Attorney’s Office held a news conference Friday morning following the release of independent investigation documents from the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation related to the December 10th shooting death of 23-year-old Montay S. Penning.
District Attorney David O’Leary said the three officers who were involved will not face criminal charges as Penning was armed and pointed the gun at them.
Beloit Police Officer John McMahon, Sergeant Ryan Flanagan and Detective Nathan Adams were placed on administrative after the shooting.
Police Chief David Zibolski says the incident started just before noon at Henry Avenue and Riverside Drive when a Rock County Sheriff’s Deputy observed a vehicle believed to be stolen and reported shots fired.
Following a chase, and foot pursuit, Zibolski says the officers located Penning in the 1800 block of Harrison Avenue where he was observed to be armed.
O’Leary says witnesses reported hearing officers repeatedly identify themselves and order Penning to drop the gun.
The District Attorney says the actions of the officers involved were lawful and reasonable based on the facts of the case.
