PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery today announced that he will not file charges in the December 3, 2015 shooting death of Ivan Krstic by Mesa Police Officer Dustin Gransee.

“After a thorough review of the evidence, including video from a body-worn camera, my office has determined that the decision to use lethal force was permitted under Arizona law,” said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery.

During the press conference announcement, Montgomery showed the body camera video worn by the officer and provided a detailed account of the incident.

Just before 10:00 p.m. on December 3, 2015, witnesses called 911 after observing Ivan Krstic banging a metal bar on a neighborhood sidewalk, trying to lift sewer system access covers and behaving erratically.

When Mesa Police Officers responded to the scene, the suspect refused commands to put down the spiked steel bar, and began to advance toward them.

After repeated commands to stop and drop the pole, an officer deployed his Taser. The subject fell, but pulled the Taser probes out of his skin. While on the ground he produced a serrated blade and the officer retreated. The suspect grabbed the metal bar and dropped the knife. He then stood up holding the metal bar in both hands and began to move toward the officer who had just retreated. Officer Gransee fired two rounds, one hitting the suspect in his chest and right arm.

The Mesa Fire Department responded to the scene and Krstic was transported to Scottsdale Osborn Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Toxicological analysis of the suspect tested positive for alcohol, amphetamines, anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants.

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