Officer shoots and kills a Sudanese immigrant attempting to kill a store clerk by beating her to death

KOIN reported that Omer Ismail Ali, an immigrant from Sudan and a “transient” living in Spokane, Washington, allegedly attempted to shoplift at a Flying K convenience store Wednesday. Officer John Johnston was called to the store and was examining surveillance footage when Ali returned to the store.

Ali brandished a stick, assaulting the clerk and a customer, authorities said.

Johnston attempted to subdue Ali, who reportedly charged at him with the stick. Johnston then fatally shot Ali.

Cowlitz County Sheriff Mark Nelson defended Johnston’s response, telling KOIN that he was “not sure a Taser or a baton would have been an appropriate response” to the situation.