Details of the initial confrontation are not clear. Was the officer assaulted or was the officer not assaulted? It makes a difference. It doesn’t excuse, it makes a difference. If assaulted s/he was acting on adrenaline when shooting a fleeing assailant, if not... entirely different. It doesn’t excuse, it makes a difference.
Nothing is clear yet...The cops have only told the media what they want them to hear, and the witnesses are telling them what they allegedly saw.
Again, if the scene evidence was not manipulated or compromised, there has to be a whole lot of scene physical evidence which will reveal what occurred and establish if anyone is providing inconsistent statements...
The police chief said today at the press conference that the officer sustained an injury to his face during the physical struggle within/at the vehicle and was later treated at a hospital.