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DA: Officer Force Was Justified In Death of Man with Dementia

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The Oregon State Medical Examiner has ruled the death of a man at St. Charles this summer a homicide, but the District Attorney announced Tuesday there would be no charges in his death.

Jerry Nichols, 64, died Aug. 20, eight days after a scuffle with a police officer and hospital staff. He had dementia, PTSD and severe medical issues.

But though the medical examiner has ruled the death a homicide, meaning death at the hands of another, Deschutes County District Attorney Patrick Flaherty said no crime had occurred.

He said Tuesday he would not pursue charges against anyone involved, including hospital staff or Bend police officer Steve Craig.

“What physical force was used, was justified under the circumstances,” said Flaherty Monday night.

Read our full story in tomorrow’s print edition of the Source, including a response from Nichols’ widow and an interview with the state medical examiner who determined the death to be a homicide.