The Madison Police Department officer who shot and killed a suspected robber last week was justified in doing so, the chief of police and the district attorney said at a news conference Friday.
""There is no question that this was justified in using deadly force,"" Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard said at the news conference. ""This was a face-to-face presentation with a gun.""
On Wednesday around 4:45 p.m., Officer David Retlick, 33, responded to an armed robbery reported at Cousins Subs at 1124 S. Park St. Several minutes later, he located a suspect now identified as Gregory Bickford, 26, who was similar in appearance to the suspect's description.
Retlick made voice contact with Bickford at the corner of Whittier and Lakeside Streets, but Bickford did not acknowledge him, which made Retlick suspicious, according to MPD Chief Noble Wray. Once Retlick got Bickford to stop, he then attempted to frisk him, but Bickford resisted and a physical struggle ensued, according to Wray.
Bickford then pointed a .22 caliber revolver at Retlick, Wray said. According to Blanchard, the officer had to assume the worst, so Retlick then fired five shots at Bickford. Bickford was pronounced dead at the scene.
Wray stressed Retlick's justification in using deadly force, saying the incident occurred in a residential neighborhood and there was an immediate threat.
Officers later recovered a large amount of cash and a handwritten note from the robbery on Bickford, according to Wray.
According to Joel DeSpain, MPD public information officer, Bickford may have been involved in several of the downtown robberies in recent weeks.
DeSpain also said Bickford had a criminal history, but that it included no serious crimes.
Retlick is currently on administrative leave and has the option to return to work whenever he feels ready, Wray said.
Wray also emphasized Retlick's service to his community.
""He is a brave man, make no mistake about it,"" he said. ""To keep his cool to a point where he is able to protect himself and the community ... he did what he was supposed to. I feel strongly about that.""
