A 15-year police veteran has been cleared in the death of a mid-Michigan man during a shootout last month.
State police Lt. Kevin Sweeney says the Ionia County prosecutor determined the Jan. 5 slaying of 55-year-old Bernard Rowley was justified.
Police have said Rowley fired shots outside the Belding Police department, shattering the window of a police cruiser.
An officer inside the building heard the gunshots, went outside and saw a man getting into a van. The officer followed the van, called for backup and was assisted by a state trooper.
When they stopped the van, Rowley got out and began shooting at the patrol cars. The Belding officer returned fire, killing Rowley.
The officer's name was not released.
