Chief defends deadly shooting, PSL officer behind the gun

New information tonight about a man shot by police in Port St. Lucie.  Turns out he was armed with a toy rifle, but did the fact that it was a toy really matter?  It's a police department defending its reputation tonight, did they use excessive force?  The chief got in front of the microphone to say no this afternoon.  We've learned Moralas was armed with a toy rifle and a kitchen knife.  Police took pictures of these weapons that night.  Police say they had to make quick decisions when they showed up at the house on Croquet Avenue.  Morales' sister called 911 saying she was fighting with him.  Today the family wasn't home to comment.  Tonight police feel they've made their case.

Chief Don Schinnamon said, "So when they made entry they're looking down the barrel of a long rifle, there's no time to discern whether or not it's a real weapon or a bb gun."

Officer Riccardi, who fired the shots, is on paid leave which is department policy.  Once they finish up their investigation the department will turn everything over to a grand jury.