DA Makes Determination in Binghamton Police Shooting
The Broome County District Attorney has concluded that a New York state trooper's shooting of a man on Binghamton's South Side was justified.
Authorities have said 36-year-old James Giacalone of Glen Aubrey was shot in the face following a vehicle pursuit Tuesday. Giacalone remains hospitalized at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania.
District Attorney Stephen Cornwell Thursday afternoon announced he had determined that the actions by the trooper "were completely justified."
State police have not released the name of the trooper, who sustained leg and facial injuries when he was struck by a car driven by Giacalone.
Police said troopers had pursued Giacalone because he was wanted on an arrest warrant.
Cornwell said his office conducted an independent review of the shooting. Binghamton police and Broome County Sheriff's Office investigators assisted state police in the hours after the incident, which happened near Conklin Avenue and Alfred Street.
Police said Giacalone fled the scene after he was shot. He was apprehended a short time later in a nearby residential neighborhood.
Cornwell said based on his review, he determined "any reasonable police officer" in the same circumstances would have had reason to believe the car driver was using or about to use deadly physical force. Under the law, Cornwell concluded the trooper's response was justified.
Officials have not announced what charges Giacalone will face in connection with the incident.
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