Campbell County Deputy Justified In Shooting

AP 7-7,2015

The Campbell County attorney says a sheriff’s deputy was justified when he shot and killed a knife-wielding woman just east of Gillette.

The Gillette News Record reports the deputy fired two shots at 39-year-old Nikki Jo Burtsfield after a high-speed chase in May. He will not be charged.

The shooting occurred on a rural road after the sheriff’s office received a call about someone trespassing at a coal mine.

Deputies chased a vehicle that ended when spike strips deflated its tires. Authorities say Burtsfield exited the truck and approached the deputies with a knife. Multiple stun guns were fired at the woman with little effect.

Five deputies, including the one who fired the deadly shots, were placed on administrative leave.