Muskogee police shooting found justified

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) -- Police officers have been alerted to alleged threats against them following a police shooting last week that left a 19-year-old man dead.

District Attorney John Luton ruled Thursday that Officer Gary Glover was justified when he shot Eric McNac during a traffic stop late Saturday when McNac made what police considered a threatening motion.

"The officer reasonably believed he was in danger and justified in protecting himself from serious bodily harm," Luton said.

A police report showed that another officer repeatedly warned McNac to be still in the car, Luton said. But McNac shifted over to the driver's side of the car and put it into gear.

Glover, who was on the driver's side, yelled for McNac to stop.

But Luton said the suspect bent down toward the floorboard and then rose again to look at Glover.

It was then that the officer fired. McNac died later at a Muskogee hospital.

"A weapon was found under the front seat passenger's side and another in the floorboard of the back seat," Luton said.

It was the three-year police veteran's second such killing in two years.

Luton said authorities are aware of possible threats made against police officers because of McNac's killing.

"I have heard from police officers that there's been a bounty put on police and their families," he said.

Police investigator Cpl. Todd Whitman said that it's not known whether the threats are real or only rumors. But police are taking them seriously.

Six homicides have been recorded in Muskogee this year, one more than in each of the previous three years. Luton said he does not know if he has ever seen as much gun violence in his hometown as he has this summer.

On Thursday, officers were searching for a 20-year-old man who is wanted in connection with a Monday shooting. Ricky Scott Jr., 18, survived being shot in the mouth.