LINCOLN, Nebraska (KLKN) – A grand jury found no “criminal wrongdoing” after a police officer shot and killed a teenager in Columbus earlier this year.
In a press release Wednesday, the city of Columbus announced the grand jury’s verdict and stated that Officer Kyle Blunck’s actions were “consistent with the law.”
On Feb. 6, officers responded to a welfare check on 17-year-old Chase Ditter after a report of possible self-harm, the Nebraska State Patrol said.
During the welfare check, Ditter pulled out a knife and an officer attempted to stun him with a taser, city officials said.
Blunck then shot Ditter with his service weapon. Ditter was pronounced dead at the scene and Blunck was placed on leave, the patrol said.
The patrol’s Special Investigations Team completed its investigation and submitted its findings to the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.
The Attorney General’s Office then presented evidence to the grand jury and called witnesses, which then led to the verdict.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ditter family, the officers of the Columbus Police Department, the staff of Columbus Public Schools and our entire community,” Police Chief Church Scherer said in a statement.