Sedona AZ (February 17, 2015) – The criminal investigation of the USFS Law Enforcement officer who fatally shot a suspect in the Blue Ridge area of Clint Wells, Arizona, on September 19, 2014, is complete. The officer will not face charges.

Evidence collected during the investigation proved the USFS officer acted within his lawful duty when he came into contact with Courtney James VanRiper, 66 years old.

Following the shooting death of VanRiper, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office conducted the criminal investigation. The investigation was forwarded to the Coconino County Attorney’s Office for review.

After reviewing the evidence, the Coconino County Attorney’s Office completed its report that no charges would be filed. The County Attorney’s Office found that the evidence proved the officer acted lawfully when he encountered the victim.

During the encounter, VanRiper produced a large can of bear pepper spray which he pointed and sprayed at the face of the USFS officer. The officer, believing that his weapon would be taken and used against him once he was incapacitated by the spray, fired several times at the victim. The County Attorney’s report cited Arizona Revised Statutes 13-410(C)(1) which permits law enforcement to use deadly physical force in self-defense.

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