The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has backed Met officers who fatally shot Giedrius Vasiljevas in Dagenham last week. The watchdog found no evidence the lethal force was anything but necessary, proportionate, and reasonable.
Man With Guns Threatened Suicide, Wanted Police to Shoot Him
On November 23, 40-year-old Vasiljevas called 999 from his home, confessing he had two loaded guns and wanted to end his life — by police bullet. During the chilling call, he claimed his weapons were an air rifle and bolt gun, and insisted he wanted officers to shoot him.
Armed cops arrived before 8pm and tried to coax him outside. After nearly an hour, Vasiljevas opened his door but retreated inside before reappearing moments later — just seconds before officers fired two fatal shots to his abdomen.
Paramedics gave first aid but he was pronounced dead at 9.30pm.
Officer Fired After Man Aimed Gun at Them, Says IOPC
The officer who pulled the trigger said Vasiljevas pointed a gun at him and a colleague, putting their lives in immediate danger.
“Our investigation found bodycam footage in the dark didn’t clearly show a firearm pointed, but Vasiljevas did come to the door carrying what looked like a black handgun,” the IOPC report states. “Other officers confirmed they saw his arm raise towards the shooter.” “Evidence backed the officer’s claim that they reasonably believed their life was at risk, making the use of lethal force absolutely necessary.”
The IOPC said no disciplinary action is required against the officers involved.
Inquest Jury Backs Police Account
At the inquest, the jury agreed Vasiljevas was holding and raising a gun at officers when he was shot. IOPC Director Amanda Rowe commented:
“Our thoughts are with Mr Vasiljevas’ family and all affected. Fatal police shootings are thankfully rare. When they happen, independent investigations must thoroughly examine the use of lethal force. “The officers faced an extremely difficult situation. Mr Vasiljevas wanted to be shot and presented a real threat. Officers spent considerable time trying to negotiate a peaceful end — tragically, it wasn’t to be. “The shooting officer believed their lives were at imminent risk, prompting the tragic but necessary use of force.”
