ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) -- A St. Joseph police officer who fatally shot a colleague will not face charges after an investigation determined the shooting accidental.
The St. Joseph News-Press reports Buchanan County prosecutor Dwight Scroggins announced the decision Friday.
Officer Dan De Kraii was shot after a training exercise Sept. 15 when he asked a fellow officer to shoot him with a Simunitions training round. Investigators say officer Jason Strong did not know he had changed guns and had his assigned duty weapon when he shot De Kraai in the back.
Officials say Strong is on light-duty and his ultimate status won't be determined until the internal investigation is concluded.
Police Chief Chriss Connally says Scroggins' announcement is another step in moving the department forward.