Off-duty deputy cleared in SLC club shooting

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - An off-duty deputy who shot a man during a confrontation at the Green Street private club at Salt Lake City's Trolley Square as been cleared of any wrongdoing by prosecutors.

The Salt Lake County District Attorney's office released a statement on Thursday saying Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Deputy Rudy Chacon's use of a handgun was justified under state law.

Prosecutors say on September 18, Chacon shot John Pikula in the side after witnessing a beating involving Pikula and Chacon's younger brother.

The District Attorney's office says Pikula was beating Chacon's younger brother after a confrontation inside the social club when the deputy pulled his firearm and shot Pikula in the side.

THE DA's office says Chacon's actions were justified to prevent death or serious injury, under Utah state law. The DA also indicated that Chacon was not impaired by alcohol at the time of the shooting.

Pikula remained in a local hospital in critical condition for a few weeks following the shooting. He was at the bar for his own bachelor party.