Autopsy complete in police shooting
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 12 years, 3 months AGO
The Kootenai County Coroner's Office has concluded the autopsy of Eric B. Johnston, the Dalton Gardens man shot Sunday by a Coeur d'Alene police officer.
Idaho State Police, the investigating agency, announced in a press release Tuesday that autopsy results show Johnston, 35, died as a result of gunshot wounds. Toxicology results from the autopsy are not expected to be available for several weeks.
The release also included a statement from Coeur d'Alene Police Chief Wayne Longo on the death involving officers from his department: "We extend our sympathy to Eric Johnston's family, and commit to a professional investigation of the officer involved shooting. The use of deadly force is a decision officers must face during extremely difficult and dangerous situations. I have confidence in our officers and the investigative process. I have requested the Idaho State Police conduct a comprehensive investigation into this shooting."
Johnston was shot and killed when police officers tracked him to a home on Young Avenue Sunday morning, after Johnston allegedly crashed a vehicle into a nearby utility pole and left the scene.
The names of the police officers involved in the shooting have not been released, but ISP reports they have been placed on administrative leave.
No other information was released on Tuesday.