Delaware troopers cleared in shooting of paraplegic man

HARBESON, Del. – Authorities say Delaware State Police officers were justified in fatally shooting a paraplegic man while trying to execute a search warrant at his home.

In a report dated Friday, the attorney general’s office said two troopers who shot 50-year-old Robert Knox last year acted reasonably.

Investigators say Knox was shot after telling officers he did not want to go back to jail and grabbing a handgun on his bedside table.

Knox had a long criminal history that included convictions for drug trafficking, robbery and resisting arrest. He was struck by five bullets.

Police recovered four handguns at the home, along with 1.8 pounds (816 grams) of powder cocaine, 2.6 pounds (1,197 grams) of marijuana, 2.4 ounces (68 grams) of crystal methamphetamine, and 1.8 ounces (52 grams) of crack cocaine.