Officers Shoot, Kill Man Wielding Hatchet

MIAMI, Okla. (AP) -- A man who allegedly came at police with a hatchet is dead after he was shot by two Miami police officers. <br><br>Police Sgt. Phillip Brice and Detective Steve Johnston have been

Saturday, February 12th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

MIAMI, Okla. (AP) -- A man who allegedly came at police with a hatchet is dead after he was shot by two Miami police officers.

Police Sgt. Phillip Brice and Detective Steve Johnston have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into the fatal shooting of Douglas G. Pickens, 44. Police said Pickens had used the hatchet to hold up a convenience store Thursday night. Authorities said Brice and Johnston caught Pickens four blocks from the store and ordered him to stop and lie on the ground.

"The man refused to comply and then advanced toward the officers with a good-sized hatchet," police Chief Gary Anderson said. "They conducted themselves professionally."

Anderson and the Ottawa County sheriff are conducting separate investigations into the shooting. Brice has nine years on the force, Johnston has 17.

Pickens had been a resident at a local rescue mission. Officers helped him move there two weeks ago after they found him sleeping in his car near the police station.