Prosecutors: Shooting by off-duty officer was justified

CANTONSVILLE, Md. – Prosecutors say an off-duty Maryland officer was justified in shooting a 35-year-old man who dragged the officer with his car.

News media outlets report Baltimore County prosecutors released their assessment Monday of the Aug. 1 shooting of Christopher Clapp.

Authorities say the off-duty officer was working security at a Catonsville grocery store when he was alerted to a reported shoplifting. Police say the officer confronted Clapp in the parking lot and Clapp began to drive away, dragging the officer.

Deputy State’s Attorney Robin Coffin says the officer was “reasonably in fear” that he would continue to be dragged or get run over by the car. Coffin says the officer “was justified in shooting Mr. Clapp to save his own life.”

The officer wasn’t injured.

The department doesn’t release races of officers or people shot