Killing of Clearlake burglary suspect was justified, DA says

Clearlake Police Officer Michael Dietrick was justified in shooting and killing a suspect during a burglary investigation March 29, 2016, the Lake County District Attorney’s Office has determined.

The victim, Joseph Louis Melvin, 46, had attacked Dietrick with a foot-long steel flashlight when Dietrick, fearing for his life, opened fire, District Attorney Don Anderson stated in a report released late Monday afternoon.

The report is based on statements from officers and deputies responding to the scene, medical reports, physical evidence and data recorded by Dietrick’s body camera, which captured audio and partial video of the lethal struggle, Anderson said.

Dietrick had responded to a burglary alarm just after midnight, encountered Melvin crouched near a Park Street residence and a struggle ensured during which Melvin hit Dietrick several times with a flashlight. The officer shot Melvin three times in the chest and once in the neck, killing him.

Melvin’s criminal record included burglary, auto theft, drug and firearms possession, and resisting arrest.

At the time of his death, Melvin had a high level of methamphetamine in his system, the report stated, and a loaded .357-caliber pistol.