PEPPERELL, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts police officer who shot and injured a man armed with a knife who was allegedly threatening another officer was justified in the use of force, prosecutors said Thursday.

Pepperell Officer Justin Zink fired once, striking the 30-year-old man last June after determining that Sgt. Nicholas Parker was in imminent danger of death or serious injury, according to a statement from the Middlesex district attorney’s office.

“Under the circumstances, Officer Zink acted reasonably and lawfully believing that there were no other means available to protect the life of his fellow officer other than by discharging a single round from his department-issued service weapon,” prosecutors said. “Therefore, no criminal charges are warranted.”

Unprovoked and without warning, the man charged at Parker and continuously tried to stab him, prosecutors said. He faces assault and battery charges.

Officers had gone to the man’s home to serve an apprehension warrant for civil commitment.

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