DA: Shooting Of Man Who Took Officers Hostage Was Justified

CRAIG, Colo. (AP) — Prosecutors say the shooting death of a man who held two officers hostage in northwestern Colorado was justified.

The Moffat County District Attorney's Office announced its decision Thursday in the March 9 death of James Brent Damon.

Authorities say Damon disarmed a Colorado wildlife officer and a Moffat County sheriff's deputy and held them at gunpoint near the Utah-Colorado border. The wildlife officer eventually overpowered Damon, took back his gun and shot him to death near the town of Dinosaur.

A lab analysis found that Damon had 1,000 nanograms per milliliter of methamphetamines in his blood. In comparison, the report said blood levels of 200 to 600 nanograms per milliliter have been found in people who have exhibited violent and irrational behavior.