Crestview officer cleared in shooting

CRESTVIEW, Fla. (WALA) - A Crestview Police Officer on administrative leave since October 2011 is now clear to go back to work.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and State Attorney's Office report Sergeant Matthew Purvines was justified in the force used against Jason Chesser.

Sergeant Purvines was attempting to stop a stolen vehicle on the night of October 20, 2011. The driver, later identified as Jason Chesser, led Sergeant Purvines on a chase.

The driver eventually stopped on Lonnie Jack Drive. Sergeant Purvines tried to command Chesser to get out of the vehicle. Instead, Chesser reportedly aimed his vehicle at Sergeant Purvines.

Sergeant Purvines believed it to be an attempt to strike him with the stolen vehicle, so, he fired at the vehicle.

A bullet struck Chesser, injuring him.

It has been determined by the state attorney’s office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, that Sergeant Matthew Purvines was acting in defense of his own life when the shooting occurred.