Driver in Lethal Police Shootout Not Guilty, Says Lawyer
A man in his 50s, who was arrested following a deadly police shooting in Klepp, Norway, is maintaining his innocence, according to his lawyer. The incident occurred early Sunday morning when police were called to a "threatening situation" involving a man in his 40s, who later died in the shootout along with 25-year-old police officer Markus Botnen.
The driver, who was not identified, was initially charged with aiding and abetting murder and attempted murder. However, his lawyer, Hege Veland, told NRK that the charges against her client have been weakened following further investigation.
"Of course, my client felt threatened when a man with a gun showed up unannounced at his door," Veland said, adding that her client had agreed to give the armed man a ride for fear of his family’s safety.
The two men subsequently called police, and as they drove, the passenger revealed his intention to harm someone. The driver, fearing for his own safety, stopped the car, and a shootout ensued.
Both Veland and the police agree that the man in his 40s initiated the shooting. The police returned fire, resulting in the deaths of both men involved.
The driver was later released after being questioned by police and the Specialized Investigation Unit. He denies any wrongdoing and plans to fight the charges against him.
Investigations are ongoing, and the police have not yet determined a motive for the incident.
