Port Angeles officers cleared in fatal shooting of bank robber

Clallam County prosecutors have determined that two Port Angeles police officers acted lawfully when they shot and killed Joseph Hadden, a bank robber who threatened them with a replica firearm. The incident unfolded on May 3, 2024, when Hadden entered the Chase Bank, using a cane and wearing protective gear, before demanding cash from tellers. Surveillance footage shows Hadden exiting the bank with approximately $3,500 in stolen cash, at which point he confronted the officers and pointed the replica handgun at them. Prosecutor Mark Nichols stated that Hadden posed an imminent threat of death or serious harm, justifying the officers' use of deadly force. The report also indicated that both officers rendered aid immediately after the shooting, but Hadden was pronounced dead at the scene.

Notably, the officers involved were not equipped with body cameras, and the responding deputy's footage did not capture the initial confrontation. Family members noted Hadden's ongoing health problems and mental health struggles prior to the robbery. This incident highlights critical issues surrounding police use of force and the complexities involved in such high-stakes situations.