Fatal Shots Ruled Justifiable

Fri., May 5, 1995

Compiled From Wire Services

The Spokane County prosecutor has concluded that two fatal shootings - one by a police officer - were justifiable and shots in both cases were fired and in self-defense.

The first incident occurred Dec. 14, 1994 when the owner of J.C. Clock Watch and Jewelry, 7404 E. Sprague, shot and killed a potential robber after they fell to the floor and struggled over a handgun.

Joseph Choi, 50, was threatened by Danny Oswalt, 24, who held a gun to Choi’s head. Believing he was going to be shot, Choi reached for the gun and the two struggled to the floor. Choi eventually grabbed his own gun from a desk and shot Oswalt.

The second shooting involved Spokane Police Officer Terry Preuninger, who fired at Patricia Borgman as she approached police with a loaded gun. Preuninger was at the scene of a domestic violence call at 317 W. 4th Ave, on Dec. 17, 1994.

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