DA: Trooper justified in fatal shooting after chase

LEBANON, Pa. — A state trooper who shot a man armed with a knife after a foot chase last year in Pennsylvania was justified in firing and will not face any charges in the man’s death, a prosecutor said.

Authorities said troopers in Lebanon County went to serve a warrant on Mitchell Hammer in Palmyra on Dec. 18 but he ran off into the woods. Police said a foot chase ended after a confrontation between Mr. Hammer, 27, of Annville, who had a Bowie-style knife, and a trooper who opened fire.

District Attorney David Arnold told reporters last week that Mr. Hammer ran into a muddy area with brush and thorn bushes and found himself trapped between the Swatara Creek on one side and cliffs on two other sides. The lone pursuing trooper didn’t realize that his escape was blocked, he said.

Mr. Arnold said the trooper has recently returned to duty.