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FARMINGTON, Utah (AP) -- A detective who fired at his own vehicle as it was driven away by a fleeing inmate is being disciplined, Davis County Sheriff Bud E. Cox said.
The firearm committee determined the actions of Detective Ty Berger "did not conform with our policies or our procedures for use of deadly force. It does not mean the action was illegal, it just did not conform to our policies," Cox said.
He would not say what discipline was taken, but Berger still works at the department.
"He's one of the best. He's a fine, fine deputy," Cox said.
Berger shot several times at his unmarked car after a jail inmate drove away in it July 31.
Cox said deadly force is to be used only as the last step.
Carl John Racker, 29, the man police said stole the car, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of theft and two counts of illegal possession of a controlled substance in two unrelated cases and will be sentenced Nov. 6. Racker also faces charges in Weber and Box Elder counties in other cases.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
