Deadly force by police officers used in the shooting death of Brent Pickard was justified under the law, according to Neal Pinkston, district attorney in Hamilton County.
The August 26 killing of Pickard, who led police on a lengthy chase from his home in Ooltewah to Hixson before brandishing a firearm inside his car, was recorded on police cruiser dashcams. The videos were reviewed by Pinkston, according to a letter dated Oct. 1 and sent to Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond.
"After considering applicable state law and the totality of the circumstances, it is my conclusion that Hamilton County Sheriff's deputies did not violate any state law," Pinkson wrote. "Further, their use of deadly force was justified."
Police shot Pickard 13 times in the head, left shoulder, torso and right arm, firing into the car after ramming his car to bring it to a halt after an 18-mile chase. The chase was initiated when police received a domestic disturbance call.
Pickard was previously arrested for domestic assault.
Stay with the Times Free Press for more on this developing story.
Report from the shooting: