The Independent Office for Police Conduct has released its findings today (November 28) following an investigation into Metropolitan Police officers shooting Giedrius Vasiljevas.
According to the police watchdog, there was no evidence to indicate that the lethal force used may not have been necessary, proportionate and reasonable.
It comes after Mr Vasiljevas, 40, was killed on November 23, 2023.
He rang police from his address in Dagenham, saying he had two loaded guns and wanted to kill himself.
During the call, he said he wanted to be shot by police and also described the guns as an air rifle and a bolt gun.
Armed officers were deployed shortly before 8pm and they attempted to negotiate with Mr Vasiljevas to come out.
At about 8.55pm, he opened the front door as officers told him to walk outside and show his hands.
However, the man went back into the address before coming out a second time, right before he was shot seconds later with a fatal wound to his abdomen.
Officers provided first aid, but he was pronounced dead at the scene around 9.30pm.
The IOPC says that the officer who fired twice stated that they saw Mr Vasiljevas point a gun directly at them and another colleague, which made the officer fear for their lives.
This report states: “In the dark environment, the police bodyworn footage does not clearly show Mr Vasiljevas point a firearm at officers but it does show that he came to the door with what appeared to be a black handgun.
“This could be seen on the ground when officers approached him after the shots were fired.
“Accounts from other officers also stated that they could see Mr Vasiljevas’ arm raise in the direction of the officer who shot him.”
Evidence obtained by the IOPC supported the officer’s account and that he “honestly and reasonably believed” that his life was in imminent danger and that “use of lethal force was absolutely necessary in the circumstances”.
The watchdog said there was no indication that there was no need to bring disciplinary proceedings.
After hearing the evidence at inquest, a jury concluded that Mr Vasiljevas was holding a gun in his hand and raised his arm in the direction of the officer when he was then shot.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: “Our thoughts remain with Mr Vasiljevas’ family and friends, and everyone impacted by this tragic incident.
“Fatal police shootings are fortunately rare, however when they occur it’s important that an independent investigation is carried out into the circumstances, including the decision to use lethal force.
“The officers were faced with a challenging situation dealing with a person who had stated they wanted to be shot by police. We found that officers spent considerable time trying to speak with Mr Vasiljevas to build rapport, provide reassurance, and understand the risk he presented to himself to inform a tactical plan to attempt to bring the incident to a safe resolution, which tragically they were unable to do.
“The officer made the decision to shoot Mr Vasiljevas as they believed that Mr Vasiljevas was going to shoot them and that their and their colleague’s lives were in imminent danger.”
