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N.S. RCMP officers cleared of wrongdoing after man fatally shot in Westphal

A 24-year-old man was killed in a shooting involving RCMP in Nova Scotia on May 26. Steve Silva/ Global News

Three Nova Scotia RCMP officers who fatally shot a 24-year-old man in Westphal, N.S., in May will not face charges, according to the provincial police watchdog.

Serious Incident Response Team [SiRT] director Felix Cacchione says police received a call shortly after 8 a.m. on May 26 regarding a man with a firearm who was threatening to kill another man inside a home.

READ MORE: Man dies after confrontation with police in Cole Harbour area, SiRT investigating

Police say the shooting occurred near Broom Road in Westphal. Courtesy: Nova Scotia RCMP

Cacchione says the suspect fled the home with the firearm and entered a nearby wooded area.

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A canine unit tracked the suspect, who emerged from the wooded area with the firearm, according to Cacchione.

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“The officer commanded the suspect to stop and drop his weapon, but he did not comply,” SiRT said in a written decision Wednesday. “The male turned his head and looking at the officers, placed his gun level to his waist and pointed it in the direction of the officers.”

WATCH: SiRT identifies man killed by police in Westphal

Click to play video: 'Nova Scotia serious incident investigator identifies man killed by police in Westphal'
Nova Scotia serious incident investigator identifies man killed by police in Westphal

The officers fired four shots at the suspect in self-defence, according to SIRT. Three bullets hit the suspect; two in the abdomen and one in the leg. He died from his injuries shortly after first aid had begun.

The day after the shooting, SiRT identified the victim as Bradley Thomas Clattenburg of Truro.

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SiRT’s investigation found the officers “believed their lives were in danger” and the use of their firearms was ”justified in the circumstances,” so no charges are warranted.

READ MORE: Nova Scotia serious incident investigator identifies man killed by police in Westphal

SiRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia, whether or not there is an allegation of wrongdoing.

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