Wendell Wilcox

Deadly force

Wilcox had taken a 30-06 rifle and fired three shots in the direction of a neighbor's home. When police arrived, Wilcox was still armed with the rifle. Trooper Smith ordered Wilcox to put down his weapon numerous times, but Wilcox did not comply. According to witnesses, Wilcox was shouting obscenities and threatening the Trooper. Wilcox, still carrying his weapon, advanced toward Trooper Smith, despite repeated requests by the officer for Wilcox to stop and drop his weapon. Finally Wilcox raised and pointed the rifle in the officer's direction, at which point Trooper Smith fired two shots, killing Wilcox.