Auburn police officers cleared in April shooting of bi-polar woman

A grand jury in Macon County , Ala., has cleared the officers involved in the April 3 shooting of a bi-polar woman after she charged toward them with a lock-blade knife, the Auburn Police Division said Friday.

Melissa Boarts, 36, was fired on by two officers after she left her vehicle and charged toward the officers on Red Creek Road in Macon County. Boarts knocked one officer to the ground and his weapon fell from his possession.

Boarts who was within one foot of an officer died of a gunshot wound.

The jury ruled the use of deadly force was justified after they responded to a call about a motorist described as bi-polar, suicidal, in possession of a knife and intending to harm herself. Officers started following Boarts in the Auburn area into Macon County.

Toxicological records show that Boarts was under the influence while operating her vehicle. She had taken six medications, including some not prescribed for her. Adverse effects are possible when combined with alcohol.

“The Auburn Police Division stands firmly in support of the officers involved, their necessity to make a split second decision in this situation, and their families who have had to endure pain, hurt, and threatening comments caused by false allegations and misinformation that have been proven to be unsupported by the facts of this incident,” the release said.

The department also expressed sympathy to the Boarts family.

This story was originally published August 19, 2016 at 8:45 PM with the headline "Auburn police officers cleared in April shooting of bi-polar woman."