Records: Young officer won high praise before fatal Moraine shooting

One of two Moraine police officers who fatally shot a 23-year-old Dayton man last week has received above average marks since being hired in March 2016, city records show.

Officer Jerry Knight Jr. has been on paid administrative leave along with Officer John Howard since Oct. 20, when they fired multiple shots that killed Jamarco McShann after police said McShann failed comply with orders to drop a loaded semiautomatic handgun he was pointing at the pair.

RELATED: Moraine police shooting: Dayton man died from multiple gunshot wounds

Prior to the pre-dawn fatal shooting at Valleyview Apartments on Pinnacle Road, the 23-year-old Knight had received either acceptable, proficient or superior/exceptional ratings on all three performance evaluations, according to his personnel file with the city.

Knight received progressively higher marks with each evaluation, with his last rating this past summer showing “superior/exceptional” scores in eight of nine categories, according to his file.

RELATED: Moraine police shooting: What we know now

During his employment with the city he has received three pay increases and three letters of recognition, the latest coming on Oct. 8, records show.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is overseeing the criminal probe into the shooting at the request of the Moraine Police Division. An internal investigation is being handled by Moraine police, according to Chief Craig Richardson.

We also have also received years of personnel records for Howard. We are reviewing them and will report on those records as soon as possible.

-MORE COVERAGE ON SHOOTING:

RELATED: Moraine police shooting: Suspect’s gun was loaded with high-capacity magazine

RELATED: Moraine police shooting: Who is Jamarco McShann?

RELATED: Moraine police shooting: Dayton man killed had life surrounded by violence

RELATED: Moraine police shooting: 5 questions we’re asking

RELATED: Moraine police shooting victim identified

About the Author