Walbridge officer likely will return to patrol soon

Policeman shot, killed robber in West Toledo

6/28/2012

A Walbridge police officer who fatally shot an armed robber in West Toledo could be back on patrol by the end of the week, officials said.

Walbridge Chief Kenneth Frost said the department's investigation is being completed and Officer Matthew Morland, who was off duty, "was not in violation, as far as I've seen it."

"The investigation I've done and the Toledo police in their investigation [found] no possible violations," the chief said.

The officer has been on mandatory departmental leave since the shooting, but is still able to do desk work, Chief Frost said.

Officer Morland was walking with a friend to the friend's home about 2:30 a.m. Saturday when they were confronted by Travis Johnson, 21, who was armed with a gun and wanted to rob the pair, police said.

Officer Morland shot Johnson six times in the chest, right arm, buttocks, and back, the coroner's office has said.

When asked about the entry points of the wounds, Toledo police Sgt. Joe Heffernan said it's likely Johnson turned his body when the officer opened fire.

Sergeant Heffernan said the department has closed its investigation, and it will be sent to the Lucas County prosecutor's office.

John Weglian, chief of the special units division in the prosecutor's office, said the office had not yet received the case, but when it does, it will be screened to determine whether it will reach a grand jury.

Chief Frost said Walbridge officers are not required to carry their badge and gun while off duty, but "it is their privilege, it is their option, however, I encourage it."

Officer Morland was carrying a personal firearm at the time of the shooting, Chief Frost said.