Officer Cleared By DA In Shooting Of Suspect In Norristown

NORRISTOWN, PA — The officer who shot an armed suspect in Norristown late last month has been cleared of wrongdoing in the incident, following an investigation by the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.

The incident took place on Feb. 27 at around 11:23 a.m. on the 200 block of E. Chestnut Street, where police were called to the scene of a fight.

When they arrived they identified one of the men involved, 29-year-old Damar Coleman, who they said they were "familiar with." Coleman was holding a gun.

Coleman fled the scene when police arrived and they chased him on foot to the rear of 226 E. Chestnut Street, where Coleman stopped and turned to face the officers. Police said Coleman was holding a silver semi-automatic handgun at chest level when he turned.

>>DA Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting In Norristown

Police repeatedly called out "Damar, police, get on the ground!" but Coleman did not listen, and instead began moving toward an officer from about five feet away. That's when the officer fired the nonfatal shot, which hit Coleman in the shoulder.

"The evidence showed this was an armed and dangerous man - a person not allowed to possess a firearm - who pointed a loaded gun at a Norristown Police Officer at close range," DA Kevin Steele said in a statement. "Our investigation determined the facts of this case supported the use of deadly force."

Coleman was transported from the scene in Norristown to Penn Presbyterian Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries. He's been charged with firearms crimes, resisting arrest, and receiving stolen property. He was unable to post $25,000 bail and was taken to Montgomery County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is forthcoming.

Patch file photo