Review finds police shooting of mentally ill man justified

ZION, Ill. (AP) - The Lake County State's Attorney has concluded a northern Illinois police officer was justified in using deadly force when he fatally shot a mentally ill man earlier this year.

Two officers in Zion confronted 38-year-old Charles J. Hollstein in January while responding to a complaint about a man photographing schools.

According to a review by State's Attorney Michael Nerheim, Hollstein led police on a foot chase, bit one of the officers on the arm and tried to grab the officer's gun.

The report found the officers first used stun guns and pepper spray, but neither subdued Hollstein.

It said Officer Steven Vines fired with his handgun because he felt their lives were in danger.

The report said Hollstein had a pellet gun and a knife and was wearing homemade body armor.