South Bend officers using deadly force were justified in shooting of hammer wielding man

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South Bend, IN - "Based on all of those facts, it is clear that their actions were justified," said St. Joseph County Prosecutor Ken Cotter, after a deadly officer involved shooting in South Bend.

The officer involved shooting at Karl King Tower was ruled justified by the St. Joseph County Prosecutor on Thursday.

Now we’re getting our first look at body cam footage and a timeline of the key moments from Tuesday’s deadly shooting at Karl King Apartments in South Bend.

South Bend officers using deadly force were "justified" says St. Joseph County Prosecutor

The suspect, 55-year-old Christopher Chester, was shot and killed.

The names of the officers who fired weapons were also released: Greg Howard, Austin Minix, Sean Ryan, and David Stefanovski.

Two officers fired their guns, another fired pepper balls, while another tried to use his taser.

Body cam footage showed the suspect was armed.

Chester was shot by police early Tuesday morning after charging at them with a claw hammer.

Police were initially called to the apartments after reports of a stabbing.

Around 12:30 Tuesday morning, police were called to Karl King apartments, a young woman in her 20s was stabbed and was able to escape.

Another woman in her 70s was trapped in an apartment with Christopher Chester.

Later, the woman told police they were in a relationship.

Chester, allegedly on drugs, reportedly threatened the woman.

Police say out of fear, the woman was able to escape to the bathroom, where Chester tried to break the door down.

"The door to the bathroom where the woman was hiding, the Chief alluded to it. There was a gouge mark from a hammer in the door. The door handle was broken off. Based on all of those facts, I don't think anybody should question if in that situation they should use deadly force," said St. Joseph County Prosecutor Ken Cotter.

Police were able to confirm Chester had a knife and claw hammer.

Police negotiated with Chester for over an hour. Chester saying, "If I don't get food, bad things are going to happen."

Officers completed one of his demands, and they tried bringing him McDonald's.

Police were able to obtain a search warrant to enter the apartment with a key.

Chester then immediately charged at officers with a hammer.

Two officers fired four shots each. One officer fired pepper balls, and another officer tried to fire a taser, which ultimately malfunctioned.

Chester was shot 8 times.

“Less lethal was attempted to be used, but officers had to make the decision that that subject was still advancing on them with closing that gap very rapidly with a deadly weapon,” said Mishawaka Police Chief Alex Arendt.

After Chester was shot, police immediately provided aid and an ambulance was waiting to take Chester to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 3 a.m.