(La Porte County, IN) -A Michigan City police officer was justified in fatally shooting a man fleeing on foot nearly two months ago.

 

That’s the ruling by a special prosecutor appointed to the case.

 

According to investigators, the victim, Jorge Meza was a passenger in a car stopped for a traffic violation on April 4. During a foot chase, Meza pulled a gun from his waistband and pointed it at officers involved in the pursuit.

 

Investigators say Meza took off running again, stopped and with two hands pointed the firearm at one of the officers, Michael Oberle.  Oberle fired multiple times, striking Meza, who fell and dropped the gun.

 

Investigators say Meza began to reach for the gun when shot two more times by the officer.

 

In addition, the suspect’s gun was loaded and evidence shows he tried firing the gun multiple times but a malfunction with the gun prevented it from firing, according to investigators

 

Jasper County Prosecutor Jacob Taulman decided not to file charges after reviewing the evidence gathered by Indiana State Police.

 

Oberle is a 15 year member of the force.