A preliminary opinion released Wednesday by an Illinois ethics group cleared the Evanston Police Department of wrongdoing in the April 26 shooting death of a knife-wielding man.
Desrick York, 32, was shot and hit 10 times by EPD officers after threatening three policemen with a knife. The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force’s preliminary report said the officers “acted within the scope of the law,” and found no cause for charges against the officers.
The three officers, who were suspended with pay, were cleared to return to work after the task force’s report. However, one officer sustained an injury to the hand during the altercation and remains on medical leave.
State police authorities determined that the officers acted “legally.” An internal EPD investigation remains ongoing. The results of York’s toxicology screening will be released in about six weeks.
