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WAYNE, Michigan (FOX 2) – No charges will be filed against The Wayne police officers who shot and killed John Zook Jr. earlier this year, the Wayne County District Attorney announced Wednesday.

Police said Zook, 40, called 911 and informed the operator that he was in the middle of a mental health crisis and had not taken his medication on June 18. When officers arrived, they found Zook in danger and armed with a kitchen knife.

Zook’s 4-year-old son was in the home when the incident occurred at the Newberry Square Apartments on Newberry Street and Michigan Avenue. Police also said Zook cut himself multiple times in an attempted suicide. Prosecutors said he had more than 50 stab wounds.

According to the prosecutor’s office, officers ordered Zook to drop the weapon for 15 seconds before saying he would be Tased.

One of the officers tried to reach Tase Zook, but to no avail. That’s when another officer, who was holding his police firearm in one hand, drew his Taser. Prosecutors said Zook approached the officers with the knife, while the one armed with the Taser and the gun fired both at the same time.

Zook was still holding the knife, prompting the officers to shoot him four times, the prosecutor said. After the shooting, officers assisted Zook and removed her child, who had been asleep during the shooting, from the apartment.

After the shooting, Zook’s family said they didn’t believe he had come forward to police. They also demanded the release of body camera footage of the interaction. The video was never shared publicly.

The prosecutor’s office justified the decision not to charge the officers, releasing a statement that read in part:

“In Michigan, police officers have the same right to self-defense and the defense of others as anyone else. The legal standard in Michigan for using deadly force in self-defense or in defense of others is if the person using the force reasonably fears imminent death or serious bodily injury to themselves or someone nearby.

“At the time the officers used force, they objectively knew that Mr. Zook was armed with a knife, which would legally be considered a dangerous weapon. It appears that Mr Zook was actively suffering from a mental health crisis, he was not acting rationally and was just trying to do. he was unresponsive to commands while standing armed at a very short distance from the officers. They also knew that Mr. Zook’s young child was present with him.

“Officers did not use deadly force until Mr. Zook objectively posed an imminent threat to their safety when he came toward them after unsuccessfully attempting to use a Taser to disarm him. The facts and evidence in this case show that the shooting was justified and that the officers acted in self-defense under Michigan law.”

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If you or a loved one is feeling stressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Crisis Center provides free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255. Or text 741-741

CLICK HERE for suicide warning signs and risk factors. Call 1-800-273-TALK for free, confidential emotional support.