Everett WA officer fired after fatal shooting

An Everett police officer acquitted on a murder charge in the fatal shooting of a man in a car has been fired. A letter to Troy Meade from Police Chief Jim Scharf cites "unacceptable misconduct."

The Daily Herald says an internal investigation determined that Meade violated department policies when he fatally shot Niles Meservey on June 10, 2009.

Investigators determined that just 21 seconds elapsed from the time Meade alerted dispatchers that the situation was becoming risky to when he finished shooting. During more than half that time, Meade was shocking Meservey with a stun gun.

Meade testified that he fired because he was afraid of being run down.

The police chief concluded Meade failed to consider options besides lethal force. He also determined there was no imminent threat.

Four months ago, Everett approved a $500,000 settlement with Meservey's daughter.

Meade never returned to work. He's been paid nearly $184,000 while on leave.

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Information from: The Daily Herald, http://www.heraldnet.com