DA Rules Fatal Sallisaw Officer-Involved Shooting Justified

A fatal officer-involved shooting was ruled justified by the District 27 District Attorney.

In a letter, District Attorney Jack Thorp said, "Based upon my review of...investigation, it is my opinion that Sallisaw Police Officer Blaine Griffey acted justifiably when he utilized deadly force, in defense of himself January 21, 2018."

The shooting happened in the 600 block of North Harriet Street in Sallisaw after a traffic stop.

1/26/2018 Related Story: Sallisaw Police Identify Officer Involved In Fatal Shooting

According to the investigation, Griffey tried to stop Jonathon Atchley.

Atchley told Griffey he didn't have a driver's license and got aggressive and confrontational, the letter states. It says Griffey tried to detain Atchley but he attacked Griffey.

Thorp says Griffey tried non-deadly force and used a police baton and "OC spray" but neither worked.

"Throughout the encounter, Griffey felt like Atchley was attempting to gain control of his gun belt. According to Griffey, it was clear to him that he was 'in a fight for his life,'" Thorp's letter says.

He says it's apparent Griffey felt like he was defending himself when he fired at Atchley.