Police: Duluth man shot by officer likely to live
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Duluth police say a man who cut himself and was shot twice by an officer is expected to live.
WDIO-TV reports Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsay identified the man Tuesday as 34-year-old Joe Zontelli. He said Officer Marc Johnson shot him because Johnson feared for the safety of the people present.
Johnson was placed on administrative leave, following standard protocol. He's a seven-year veteran of the department.
Ramsay says Zontelli had cut himself and was bleeding when officers arrived at his home Monday. He says Zontelli locked himself in a basement.
Officers forced open the door and deployed a dog to distract him. Police say Johnson fired his gun after Zontelli refused to drop his knife.
Ramsay says officers can't count on stun guns in life-threatening situations.
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