DA: Officer shooting during Pittsfield mental health crisis was justified
[anvplayer video=”5127051″ station=”998132″]
The Berkshire County district attorney says a police officer acted in self-defense when he shot and killed 22-year-old Miguel Estrella during a mental health crisis in March.
The findings of an independent investigation into the shooting were released Friday, including police audio and video.
Estrella was shot and killed on March 25. Police say he charged at an officer, who then shot him. District Attorney Andrea Harrington said officers tried numerous times to de-escalate the situation before the shooting.
[anvplayer video=”5127047″ station=”998132″]
“These are sad and tragic circumstances, but they are not criminal in nature,” Harrington said.
She added that many mental health systems failed Estrella in getting him the help he needed.
The Pittsfield Police Department conducted a self-review of the shooting. They said in April that preliminary findings indicated the officer complied with department policy in the shooting.
