YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) - Yakima police have identified the officer who shot and killed a 54-year-old man as Craig Gocha.
The Herald-Republic says Gocha has been on the force 1 1/2 years. He was one of five officers involved in a shootout last summer with an armed parolee who was seriously wounded.
Stuart Eugene Morgan died in his apartment early Wednesday with a gunshot wound to the head. Police say Gocha responded to a noise complaint about 1 a.m. They say Morgan came at Gocha with a knife, forcing the officer to fire at Morgan. The 54-year-old had a record of six felony convictions, including manslaughter.
Lt. Mike Merryman says Gocha will remain on paid leave until the case is submitted to the county prosecutor for review.
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