“This information makes no difference in my original determination that Deputy Momphard was justified in his use of force. But the level of alcohol in Mr. Knibbs’ body gives some explanation as to his behavior on the night in question,” said Mr. Newman. “He (Knibbs) was belligerent with a young man who stopped at his home looking for the neighbor’s house. Knibbs then placed boards in the roadway on Pheasant Drive and no one in the Knibbs’ household responded to Deputy Momphard’s initial door knocks and announcement that he was with the Sheriff’s Office. On the deputy’s second attempt at approaching the Knibbs’ home, he again announced himself and heard someone “rack” a round in a shotgun. He yelled at least three times for the person to put the gun down, but then saw the barrel of the shotgun pointed at his head. It was at that point that he fired on the person with the gun, which turned out to be Mr. Knibbs.”

“The alcohol level found in Mr. Knibbs’ body is significant. Most doctors have told me that at a 0.20 someone is either passed out or unable to walk. At a 0.23, Mr. Knibbs would have been intoxicated and this may explain his actions that led to the request for assistance from the sheriff’s department. At any rate, loaded guns and large quantities of alcohol consumption are not a good combination,” added the District Attorney.

Momphard was cleared of any criminal liability on Aug. 1, 2018 and was found to be justified in his use of force in the incident. Macon County Sheriff Robert L. Holland will determine when Deputy Momphard will return to active patrol.