Crestview police officer cleared in shooting

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office determined that Crestview Police Department Sgt. Matthew Purvines was justified in the Oct. 20, 2011 shooting of Jason M. Chesser, according to a police report.

On the night of the incident, Purvines attempted to stop a stolen car driven by Chesser, who fled, according to police.

When the vehicle was later stopped on Lonnie Jack Drive in Crestview, Chesser "intentionally aimed his vehicle at Sgt. Purvines in what was believed to be an attempt to strike him with the vehicle," the report states.

"Officer Purvines discharged his firearm and struck and injured Jason M. Chesser," the report states. "It has been determined by the State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that Sergeant Matthew Purvines was acting in defense of his own life when the shooting occurred."

Purvines, who has has been on administrative leave since the incident, has been cleared to return to work.