DA: Teen's fatal shooting was justified

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) -- The Bristol County District Attorney's Office has ruled that a police involved shooting that left a teen dead was justified.

The report states that the use of deadly force by two New Bedford police officers resulted after Malcom Gracia, 15, attempted to kill one of the detectives by stabbing him.

Police and prosecutors say on May 17th Gracia   pulled out a hunting knife with a gutting hook after police approached him and another male.

• Police kill teen after officer is stabbed

"After being knocked to the ground following the shots, the assailant returned to his feet, still armed with the knife and moved toward the officer," said D.A. Sam Sutter.

That's when Sutter says police opened fire again.

The mayor says the officer who was stabbed almost didn't make it.

"Had the knife been used in a way that was slightly different; an inch one way or another - he may not be with us," Mayor Jon Mitchell said.

Neighbors don't know what to believe.

"They have been harassing the kids. They harass everybody. When you get pulled over they are abusing their power," said one woman.