Derby Police Cleared Over Fatal Shooting of Knife-Wielding Man
An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation has cleared Derbyshire officers of wrongdoing after the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Marius Ciolac outside Derby police station in October 2022.
Knife Attack Sparks Police Shooting
On 7 October 2022, Ciolac launched a violent attack on Ascot Drive police station. He smashed glass panels with a knife in a failed attempt to break in and then targeted police vehicles.
The IOPC found that at 9:53am, officers tried to stop Ciolac using multiple non-lethal options:
- Two taser deployments, which failed due to his thick clothing
- A stun grenade, causing loud bangs and smoke
- A baton round fired as he kept advancing
None of these stopped him. Ciolac ran at a firearms officer, knife pointed forward. Less than three metres away, the officer fired a single shot, hitting him in the abdomen.
Even after being shot, officers had to use further tasers and distraction strikes before Ciolac dropped the knife. Emergency first aid was given on scene but he died at hospital at 11:25am.
IOPC Clears Officers, Verdict: Lawful Killing
The IOPC’s thorough probe, including over 50 police and 18 public witness statements, CCTV, and bodycam footage, ruled the shooting justified. The threat to life was clear and the force used proportionate.
“Fatal police shootings are fortunately rare and lethal force must only be used by officers when absolutely necessary,” said IOPC Director Derrick Campbell. “The officer feared for his life as Mr Ciolac advanced, and the evidence backs this up.”
- The decision to use lethal force was justified
- No disciplinary action is warranted against officers
- No criminal offences were committed
The report was shared with Derbyshire Constabulary, Ciolac’s family, and the Coroner.
Inquest Confirms Police Action Was Lawful
A jury at the subsequent inquest concluded that Marius Ciolac was lawfully killed. The verdict brings closure to the legal proceedings surrounding the violent incident.
