D.A.: Police-involved shooting was justified

An investigation has determined police followed proper procedures in the shooting death of a suspect.

NORRISTOWN » An investigation into the police shooting of an armed suspect in a King of Prussia Mall parking lot has concluded the shooting was a lawful use of force, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney.

District Attorney Kevin R. Steele announced the results of the investigation Monday and revealed the Upper Merion Police Officer involved has been cleared for regular duty.

The investigation began after a shooting occurred at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at the parking garage at King of Prussia Mall. According to police, officers responded to a tip that the suspect, Kalin Jackson, 23, of New Castle, Del., would be found in the parking garage driving a stolen maroon Kia Sorrento. Jackson was wanted by Upper Merion Police for committing a gunpoint robbery against a shopper at the same location one day prior.

Wilmington police also sought Jackson at the time for an armed carjacking and kidnapping that occurred Oct. 26.

“The evidence showed that this was an armed and dangerous man who was putting the lives of innocent bystanders and of the Upper Merion police officers at risk. When police located the defendant and commanded him to stop, he began ramming his vehicle into police vehicles, civilian vehicles and aimed his vehicle at officers. The officers fired their weapons at the suspect, striking him and stopping the threat to lives,” Steel said. “Our investigation determined the facts of this case supported the use of deadly force and therefore did not warrant any criminal charge against the officers invovled.”

Jackson was pronounced dead on Nov. 7 at Paoli Hospital. An autopsy by the Chester County coroner on Nov. 8 concluded Jackson had died as a result of the gunshot wound to the left side of his head.