Christian County prosecutor clears deputies in fatal shooting

OZARK, Mo. (AP) -- Three deputies were justified in shooting and killing an Ozark man who had refused orders to drop a handgun, the Christian County prosecutor has ruled.

Paul E. Lewis, 46, was shot nine times after sheriff's deputies responded to a call Jan. 12 about a despondent man who was threatening to kill himself and others.

Deputies arrived at the house where the call originated and heard what sounded like two gunshots from inside, prosecutor Ron Cleek wrote in his report Thursday.

The man came out of the house holding a gun and raised it after being ordered to drop it, Cleek wrote. The deputies then opened fire.

Missouri State Highway Patrol investigators interviewed neighbors and were told by one witness that she saw Lewis with the gun and heard him tell the deputies, "No, just shoot me," Cleek wrote.

The three deputies involved in the shooting had been placed on administrative leave with pay. Cleek recommended they be returned to active duty.