DURANGO — A Colorado deputy cleared of criminal wrongdoing in a deadly shootout and chase that ended across the Utah border was terminated for violating department policy.
The Durango Herald reports a federal prosecutor ruled in August that the shooting by Montezuma County Sheriff’s Sgt. Edward Oxley was justified, but Sheriff Steve Nowlin fired him in September following an internal affairs investigation.
Oxley killed Fordell Hill after a 12-mile (19-kilometer) car chase that involved several exchanges of gunfire in February.
Investigators found that Oxley violated department polices, including shooting at or from a moving vehicle, and using and carrying unapproved ammunition.
Oxley filed an appeal of his termination, saying his actions were necessary to protect the public.
The appeal argues the office misinterpreted its policies, and Oxley’s actions do not warrant termination.
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Information from: Durango Herald, http://www.durangoherald.com
