Patrolman Nate Cline is the officer who chased Michael Champman from the Hollywood Plaza Kroger into Union Cemetery on April 18.

After reviewing the file, statements from police and witnesses, Jefferson County Prosecutor Tom Strauss stated in his opinion report that Chapman reached into his pocket, brandished a black object and threatened to kill Cline.

“In conclusion, I find no wrongdoing on the part of Patrolman Cline regarding his involvement in the case and, in my opinion, each and every action on the part of Patrolman Cline was justified in the face of the circumstances which occurred on the scene on April 18,” said Strauss.

Steubenville Police Chief Bill McCafferty would not comment until his department’s internal affairs investigation is complete, which should take about a week.

Patrolman Cline has been on paid administrative leave since the shooting. McCafferty said Cline will be back to work, on restricted duty, starting Thursday.

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