The Poulsbo Police officer who shot and killed a man during a crowded July 3 fireworks show at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park, has been identified as Officer Craig Keller.

Keller started his career in law enforcement with Port Gamble S’Klallam Police Department in Feb. 2014. He was later hired by the Poulsbo Police Department in May of 2015.

Keller is a K-9 handler in the patrol operation division.

According to officials, the July 3 incident was the only time Officer Keller has discharged his weapon.

On the night of the incident, citizens at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park reported to Poulsbo Police Officers on duty for the event that there was a man behaving strangely and carrying a screwdriver. Some witnesses reported that the man was exhibiting “odd behavior around children” and getting into other patrons personal space.

When officers made contact with the man a struggle ensued, causing Officer Keller’s body camera to become dislodged. Officer Keller eventually fired at the man, who was later identified as 39-year-old Stonechild Chiefstick.

A coroners report stated that Chiefstick had been struck twice, once in the chest and once in the head.

The investigation into this shooting is still ongoing as the Kitsap County Incident Response Team (KCIRT) awaits a toxicology report. KCIRT is a multi-agency team made up of investigators from multiple agencies in and around Kitsap County. Investigators from Poulsbo are not involved in the investigation as it involves one of their officers. Once investigators receive the toxicology report the case will be sent off to the Kitsap County Prosecutor.

Officer Keller is on administrative leave until such time as the investigation has been concluded.