No charges for Kittitas deputy who shot, stopped gunman
KITTITAS CO., Wash. — No charges will be filed against the deputy who shot and stopped a gunman in Kittitas County earlier this year.
Deputy Jason Goeman shot Juan Manuel Flores Del Toro, who later died of his injuries, on March 19. Flores Del Toro killed Deputy Ryan Thompson and injured Kittitas Police officer Benito Chavez in the shootout.
Before the shooting, authorities started following Flores Del Toro because of his erratic driving. An investigation later found he said he was on his way to shoot a woman.
Law enforcement tried to stop Flores Del Toro, but he instead got out of his car and started firing toward them. Goeman then returned fire and stuck him.
On Friday, Kittitas County Prosecuting Attorney declined charging Goeman for his actions that night.
“Through the pain and anguish of losing Ryan and the injury to Benito, I commend Deputy Jason Goeman for his courageous and instant response. His actions prevented any further threat or harm to the community. I am proud of all three of them,” said Kittitas County Sheriff Gene Dana.
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