Shooting probe finds police officer acted in self-defense

An eight-month investigation published Monday by the Ventura County District Attorney's office found that Ventura County Dep. Shane Matthews was legally justified when he shot and killed a man who tried to run him over.

On Nov. 14, 2006 Matthews, dressed in plainclothes, was seeking information at a T.O. apartment complex in the 2200 block of Los Feliz Drive when Adrian Canley approached him.

The D.A.'s 23-page report said Canley, 25, walked up angrily as Matthews was interviewing another man. Matthews is said to have ignored the interruption. Then Canley reportedly got into his pickup and began driving it toward Matthews, who told him to stop.

"The officer was in fear of his life. He (Canley) did not stop, he accelerated and the officer could not readily escape. The officer shot several times before he ultimately shot at the vehicle," said senior deputy district attorney Stacy Rattner.

Toxicology tests revealed methamphetamine in Canley's system, Rattner said.

- Nancy Needham