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Former GT County Sheriff Dismissed From Lawsuit

A civil lawsuit against Grand Traverse County and former Sheriff Scott Fewins has been dismissed by a federal judge.  But the sniper who shot Craig Carlson in November 2007 could still end up before a jury. Deputy Charles Jetter is accused by Carlson's family of using excessive force.

Carlson was killed after an all-night standoff at his Interlochen home. The judge says neither the sheriff, the county, nor a Traverse City officer who ran tactical command on the scene are liable. But he also says it's not clear whether Carlson was an immediate threat to other officers at the time of the shot - and that a jury should decide.

Jetter's attorney says he had no choice but to shoot Carlson or risk the lives of other officers on the scene. An investigation of the incident by a special prosecutor found law enforcement acted appropriately.