STATEMENT OF DISTRICT ATTORNEY MARIAN T. RYAN ON THE INVESTIGATION REGARDING OFFICERS INVOLVED IN THE NON-FATAL SHOOTING ON JANUARY 17, 2014, IN ARLINGTON, MA

Woburn, MA - The Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office have concluded the investigation into the non-fatal shooting of James Riley, 36, of Quincy, MA, who was shot by a member of the Arlington Police Department on Friday, January 17, 2014. 

A thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting of Mr. Riley has revealed that Officer Michael Foley fired only after Riley assaulted him with a handgun.  

The standard for use of deadly force in Massachusetts is that a person may use deadly force to defend him or herself or another if the person has reasonable ground to believe, and actually believes, that he or she is in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury, and that no other means would suffice to prevent such harm.

“The actions of Arlington Officer Michael Foley, who was in uniform, in discharging his weapon at James Riley and striking him were justified in the exercise of self-defense and/or defense of another.   Under the circumstances Officer Foley acted reasonably and lawfully.  Therefore, no criminal charges are warranted,” said District Attorney Ryan.

This matter is now referred to the Arlington Police Department for whatever internal review may be deemed appropriate.

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