Police ID Man Killed In I-84 Shooting

The police officer who shot and killed a 35-year old Connecticut man has been place on administrative leave.

The identity of the officer was not released, and placing him on leave is consistent with department policy. There were other officers in the immediate area of the shooting.

Michael G. Murphy of West Simsbury, Connecticut, attempted to car-jack a vehicle at knife-point. He then led police on a foot chase through the city, as reported by The Poughkeepsie Journal.

As stated in our original story, after he ran across 4 lanes of rush-hour traffic, Murphy turned around and threatened officers with a large knife. It was at this point that police opened fire.

State police, in conjunction with Beacon police will continue to investigate. District Attorney William Grady has directed that the State police take the lead in this investigation. In some instances, state or federal authorities have been called in to serve as independent, investigating agencies

Beacon police Chief Douglas Solomon agrees with the decision, and added:

Having a neutral agency investigate is certainly beneficial. With the tone of things around the country, I think it is prudent to have an outside agency conduct these investigations.

Once the investigative report is completed, it will go the Dutchess County grand jury for review.