Death of transient found justified

Wednesday, February 16th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

MIAMI, Okla. (AP) -- Two Miami police officers have been cleared in the death of a homeless man who was shot six times after advancing toward the officers with a hatchet. Ottawa County District Attorney Tom May said the shooting of Douglas G. Pickens, 44, was justified.

Police Sgt. Phillip Brice and off-duty Detective Steve Johnston shot at Pickens shortly after he used the hatchet to rob a convenience store, authorities said. The officers said Pickens, who still had the hatchet, refused orders to stop advancing in their direction. The shooting occurred Thursday.

May ruled the shooting justified after viewing videotape from the convenience store's surveillance camera and reading police accounts, he said. Police Chief Gary Anderson said Pickens had felony convictions in Alabama and Georgia.