THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, March 21, 1995 TAG: 9503210332
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 28 lines
The police SWAT team member who fatally shot an armed man in a confrontation Friday acted properly, the commonwealth's attorney's office has determined.
Jimmie B. Coward, 47, was shot at least twice as SWAT team members surrounded his home in the 200 block of Falcon Ave. Hours earlier, Coward shot his estranged wife at her Gunn Hall Drive duplex and then fled to his house. The wife, Julie, survived the attack.
Coward was armed with a .38-caliber revolver when he confronted a SWAT member outside his home. Coward refused to drop the loaded gun, turned toward the officer and raised the revolver. The officer shot him.
The commonwealth's attorney's office reviews all police-involved shootings to see whether criminal charges are warranted. In this case, it was determined the officer's actions were necessary and appropriate, police said.
KEYWORDS: SHOOTING MURDER INJURIES
by CNB