WASHINGTON — Two Arlington County police officers have been cleared of any wrongdoing in last spring’s shooting death of Daniel George Boak, 28, of Centreville.
The showdown unfolded May 18 along busy Interstate 395 in afternoon rush hour when officers attempted to stop Boak, who was at the wheel of his black Ford pickup truck.
The investigation by the Commonwealth’s Attorney found that Boak, who had outstanding warrants for violating probation and had eluded police in the past, again fled — first on I-395 and, moments later, on the Glebe Road exit ramp where he struck Officer Steven Yanda, pinning him against a car.
Officers Yanda and Matthew Chantillion fired five shots, striking Boak four times.
Based on videos of the confrontation, police and civilian witnesses and other evidence, Commonwealth’s Attorney Theo Stamos has concluded that the officers and others present faced an immediate and serious threat of death or bodily harm. Stamos has found that the officers’ use of deadly force was justifiable and necessary.
Boak had a history of drug convictions and he was convicted of eluding police in 2008. A search found cocaine inside Boak’s vehicle.
