DA: Trooper justified in fatal shooting after chase

LEBANON, Pa. (AP) — A state trooper who shot a man armed with a knife after a foot chase last year in Pennsylvania was justified in firing and will not face any charges in the man's death, a prosecutor said.

Authorities said troopers in Lebanon County went to serve a warrant on Mitchell Hammer in Palmyra on Dec. 18 but he ran off into the woods. Police said a foot chase ended after a confrontation between Hammer, 27, of Annville, who had a Bowie-style knife, and a trooper who opened fire.

District Attorney David Arnold told reporters last week that Hammer ran into a muddy area with brush and thorn bushes and found himself trapped between the Swatara Creek on one side and cliffs on two other sides.