BROOKLINE, Mass. — The use of deadly force in killing a man who led police on a chase from Boston into Brookline was deemed justified by the Norfolk County District Attorney’s office, according to findings released Monday.
Juston Root, 41, was shot and killed by police officers in the parking lot of a CVS along Route 9 in Brookline on Feb. 7, 2020.
According to investigators, the officers at the scene in Brookline believed Root had previously shot an officer at a separate scene outside Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Boston Police were called to the hospital that Friday morning for reports of an armed person. Police say when they arrived, Root allegedly pulled out what appeared to be a gun and pointed it at officers. After a struggle with officers, police said Root got into a car and led police on a chase down Route 9 into Brookline where he eventually crashed.
Norfolk County investigators found sufficient evidence to believe Root was armed and posed a deadly threat to officers at the shooting scene in Brookline.
The shooting lasted just 3 and a half seconds, according to investigators. During that time, investigators say Root was shot 26 times. Police say they collected 31 shell casings from that scene.
Root was found with an air pistol and two paintball guns, investigators said.
“In light of these findings, the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office will take no further action relative to these six officers as to the performance and execution of their duties on February 7, 2020 in the town of Brookline.”
— Norfolk County District Attorney's Office Report
The report included body camera video from two police officers and several surveillance camera videos from outside the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
The report includes some evidence collected at that scene, including listing 15 shell casings apparently fired by officers there. A Brigham and Women’s employee working at the valet stand was hit by one of the officers’ bullets, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Rachel Rollins.
Rollins is still investigating the circumstances surrounding that shooting.
Brigham & Women’s valet member shot by police, Suffolk DA says
Read the full report below
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