‘Fatal shooting justifiable’

The Attorney General’s Office yesterday concluded that the action taken by Police Officer 1 Andrew Santos in fatally shooting Donnald Sewel while trying to break a fight in Gualo Rai was justified by the circumstances.

“After reviewing the reports, it is my conclusion that there will be no action whatsoever taken on behalf of the AGO against Officer Andrew Santos,” Chief Prosecutor Jeffrey Moots said in a press conference held at the Department of Public Safety’s commissioner’s office.

Moots said Santos acted in an “extremely professional” manner and that, based on the circumstances, the officer should be commended for his restraint.

The chief prosecutor noted Santos’ claim that he thought Sewel was between 10 to 15 feet away from him. Other witnesses claimed that Sewel was closer.

Moots said one witness claimed Santos was actually struck by Sewel with a 2”X4” piece of lumber as the officer fired his gun.

Santos indicated he did dodge to prevent from being struck and that both civilian witnesses attested that the officer ordered Sewel three different times to drop the weapon.

The civilian witnesses stated that Sewel actually cursed the officer and “sort of laughed at him.”

All accounts indicated that Santos fired two shots, hitting Sewel below the right nipple and in the left arm, Moots said.

Witnesses said after the second shot, Sewel dropped his weapon, turned and ran, according to Moots, adding that Santos did not fire additional shots.

Santos was in a lighted area while Sewel was coming out from the shadows, he pointed out.

Investigators interviewed a total of 14 witnesses, Moots said.

The chief prosecutor said Guam Chief Medical Examiner Aurelio Espinola pointed to the gunshot wound as the cause of Sewel’s death, although Sewel also had a large machete cut on his back.

He said Sewel got the injury during his fight with the Rangamars.

DPS Commissioner Santiago Tudela said he is relieved that the results of the investigations showed that the action taken by Santos was justified.

“For me, I hate to see a police officer kill somebody. That’s not our job. But if we have to shoot somebody to protect ourselves, using our issued firearm is the last resort,” Tudela said.

The commissioner said he assigned Santos to desk assignment.

“I was to put him on administrative leave and he asked not to because that would make him go crazy. I understand his concern,” he said.

Police said Sewel, alias Orin Tagabuel, beat up and assaulted Ernest Rangamar and his father Rafael Rangamar with a piece of lumber after a drinking session on Dec.11.

Ernest Rangamar was unconscious on the ground when police officers arrived, a detective said.

Santos shot Sewel when the latter reportedly tried to attack the officer during the commotion.