Prosecutor declines investigation into police shooting in Vantaa

A prosecutor has decided not to open a preliminary investigation into a January incident in which police in Vantaa fired a weapon at a man armed with a knife and an axe, Yle Uutiset reports. Authorities concluded the officers’ actions did not meet the criteria for criminal conduct.

The incident began on January 9 when emergency services received a report of a person moving through the stairwell of an apartment building in Vantaa, allegedly carrying a firearm. Police later confirmed the individual was armed with an axe and a knife.

Multiple patrol units from the Itä-Uusimaa police department responded. Officers established visual and verbal contact with the man in the stairwell but he refused to surrender his weapons, instead retreating into a residential unit. Police forced entry into the apartment and deployed a stun device, which proved ineffective.

The suspect had barricaded himself in the bathroom. When confronted again, he ignored commands to drop the knife and instead advanced toward officers while still armed. Police opened fire, though the man did not sustain life-threatening injuries.

The prosecuting attorney overseeing the case determined that, given the circumstances, the police response was proportionate to the level of threat posed. No further legal action will be taken.