Seymour police cleared in November shooting

The Jackson County prosecutor has concluded that Seymour police have no criminal liability after shooting and killing a man in November.

The incident happened on Nov. 1st, starting at about 8:27 in the evening, when officers were contacted by Seymour Wal-Mart employees about a man pushing a shopping cart out of the store without paying for about $700 in goods.

Police found 43-year-old Jason S. Cline with the stolen merchandise near a gas station on Tipton Street and he ran away when police approached, fleeing into a ditch in front of a fast food restaurant. Officer Cody Teltow struggled with Cline, according to the report, and when Officer Blake McCrary arrived to assist Teltow, Cline allegedly pulled out a pistol and threatened Officer Teltow.

Both officers opened fire, striking Cline. He was given medical aid at the scene, then taken to Schneck Medical Center where he died.

According to the prosecutor’s report, the handgun pulled by Cline had recently been stolen. Cline faced a lengthy prison term because he was a serious violent felon in possession of a firearm.

Prosecutor Jeffrey Chalfant concluded that McCrary and Teltow were justified in using deadly force to defend themselves given the threat posed by Cline.