Family of Bloomington man shot by police question actions
The family of a man fatally shot by Bloomington police Thursday night is questioning officers' actions.
Family members say Bile Rooble, a Somali immigrant in his 40s, was mentally ill and wasn't taking his medication. They say he was arguing with his sister when she ran outside and he followed, waving two knives.
Neighbors called police and officers say when they arrived, they found a man who had been stabbed. They demanded Rooble drop the knives, and when he refused, an officer shot him.
Rooble family spokesman Mahdi Haile said they believe police could have taken other steps.
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"They could have injured him or they could have done some other things," he said. "We're asking the Bloomington Police Department, the chief, to investigate further exactly how things happen."
Bloomington Police Commander Mark Stehlik said officers had few options because Rooble was very close to them and posed a threat to others.
"The fact of the matter is that there were any of a number of other people that either were hurt or could've been hurt if it didn't resolve the way it did," he said.
Stehlik says an investigation is underway. He said he hasn't had the opportunity to speak with the Rooble family yet.