YORK, Pa. -- The mother of the York man who was shot and killed by police officers in Springettsbury Township on Saturday said she continues to dispute the way her son has been portrayed.
Gail Shultz said her 40-year-old son, Todd William Shultz, was "a sweet boy" who would never hurt anyone. He was not aggressive or confrontational, she said.
"They made him out to be so bad," she said of police and local officials. "His heart was as big as him."
Shultz was shot and killed at the Kmart in the 1000 block of Haines Road Saturday night, after officers responded for a report of a man stealing jewelry and in possession of a knife. Shultz fought with officers, continued to struggle after police used a stun gun, and then pulled a knife, police said.
Four officers responded to the call, and two opened fire, police said. Shultz died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to the county coroner's office.
York County District Attorney Tom Kearney said on Wednesday that he has cleared the officers involved to go back on duty. Kearney said he reviewed handwritten reports and a video of the shooting scene.
"At least preliminarily it appears to be appropriate conduct for the situation," he said.
Gail Shultz said her son's friends have been calling her home in West York, concerned about the reports.
"They can't take this. I can't take this, because I know him," she said. "He was my baby."
State police continue to investigate, and Kearney said more details will be available when that final report is filed.
Shultz's attorney, Korey Leslie, previously described his client as "mild-mannered."
Shultz had been charged earlier this year with fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, driving with a suspended license and other offenses. Shultz allegedly sped away from police because he didn't want to be cited for driving under a license suspension, Leslie said.
Copyright 2013 - York Daily Record, Pa.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
