Prosecutor: Spokane Police justified in January 2014 shooting

After an investigation lasting more than 15 months, the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office announced Monday it would not seek charges against two police officers who shot a knife-wielding Aaron D. Johnson. Johnson was initially charged with assault in the altercation that began at Truth Ministries, 1910 E. Sprague Ave., on Jan. 16, 2014. He was carrying a knife and charged at officers after being shot with a Taser, according to court records. Johnson survived his wounds. His adopted family said the shooting illustrated Johnson’s need for mental health care. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and refused to take his medication, they said. Johnson’s prosecution has been put on hold, and he’s not currently in police custody, according to court records. Officers Chris Conrath and Holt Widhalm fired on Johnson, who was wounded but survived his injuries. According to a news release from the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office, Conrath and Widhalm fired in defense of two other officers who were standing near a knife-wielding Johnson. Police were initially called after Johnson was told to leave by Truth Ministries staff for displaying erratic behavior. The charging decision comes 480 days after the initial confrontation. In April 2014, the Spokane City Council sent a letter to then-County Prosecutor Steve Tucker criticizing the agency for its lengthy review of officer-involved cases.