FARGO - The shooting death of a man by a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer in Fort Totten on the Spirit Lake reservation in June was justified, according to a ruling released Tuesday by U.S. Attorney Christopher Myers.
Myers said Officer Terry Morgan was justified in shooting Joseph Charboneau on June 16.
While officers were searching 7141 Crow Hill Road in Fort Totten to serve a warrant for another individual at the residence, Charboneau was found in the living room under a blanket and holding a loaded firearm, according to investigative reports.
Charboneau also grabbed a blow torch during a brief standoff with officers.
After refusing to comply with several orders to drop his weapon, Charboneau was shot by Morgan.
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Myers ruled that Charboneau posed a real and immediate threat to the officers at the scene and another person in the residence. Myers said that given the circumstances, the use of deadly force by Morgan was justified.
