A prosecutor has cleared a police officer of criminal wrongdoing in a shooting that took place last month in southeast Fayetteville.

Prosecuting Attorney Matt Durrett reviewed an independent criminal investigation completed by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and later determined that Officer Kyle Jeney was justified in his actions when he shot Joshua Myers in the leg after responding to a suicide threat on South Splash Drive on July 27.

During the incident, Officer Jeney was with a second officer who was identified as Wyatt Rublee. The two officers went to the front door of the residence after a caller told dispatchers that Myers was suicidal and had taken a large amount of seizure medication.

When there was no response at the front door, the two officers walked around the side of the home and saw Myers holding what appeared to be a black and brown rifle, according to a news release.

Officials said Myers pointed the gun at Officer Rublee’s head, and when Rublee attempted to run to cover he stumbled and fell to the ground. That’s when Officer Jeney said he witnessed Myers advancing on Rublee, so he shot Myers in the leg.

The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that report and said Jeney fired a total of two rounds, one of which struck Myers in the left thigh.

The officers secured Myers with handcuffs, moved the gun away from him, and rendered first aid with a tourniquet until other units and paramedics arrived on scene, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

It was later determined that Myers’ gun was a Tippman 98 paintball rifle.

Myers was transported to Washington Regional Medical Center where he was treated. Police said his wound is not expected to be life threatening, and there were no injuries to the officers.

Officer Jeney will remain on paid administrative leave until an internal investigation is completed and reviewed by Fayetteville Police Chief Mike Reynolds.