District Attorney Clears Muskogee Police Officer In Shooting

The District Attorney's Office has cleared a Muskogee police officer in a shooting earlier this month that wounded a man.

Muskogee County District Attorney Larry Moore says Officer Joseph Poffel acted appropriately in the January 2, 2014 incident that wounded Thomas Estes.

Police said Poffel shot Estes once in the abdomen after Estes allegedly reached for another officer's gun during a traffic stop.

In a news release, Moore commended Poffel for the "restraint used in not repeatedly shooting Estes under the circumstances."

Muskogee Police issued the following statement:

"The Muskogee Police Department is pleased with today's finding by District Attorney Larry Moore in regard to our recent officer involved shooting. We believe that our officers responded appropriately in accordance with our policy and procedure and with state law. We also believe that their actions were both justified and courageous in responding to the force used against them by the suspect."

Court records show Estes is charged with possession of a firearm, assault with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery on a police officer. His next court appearance is set for January 31, 2014.

1/2/2014 Related Story: Muskogee Police Identify Officers In Officer-Involved Shooting

The Associated Press contributed to this report.