A Rockford Police Officer won’t be charged in the fatal shooting of a man on Christmas Eve in 2023.

In a news release, Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley announced no charges will be filed against officer Michael Rhein.

The shooting happened just after 12 a.m. on Dec. 24, 2023, in the 1300 block of Charles Street. Police were called by a resident after she said she heard a neighbor saying things like “help me” and “kill me” multiple times through the vents.

More: Body camera footage released of man being shot, killed by Rockford police officer

Body camera footage showed Rhein knocking on the door multiple times calling out Kirby’s name. Rhein can be heard on camera saying, “Patrick, it’s the police. We’re just checking on you.”

The video also showed Officer Rhein opening the door while saying “Patrick” again. Once Kirby appears in the doorway, the officer asks, “are you okay?” before seeing Kirby holding a knife and a box cutter.

Officer Rhein repeatedly tells Kirby to “put that down” and stop approaching the officers. As Kirby continued to approach the officers, Rhein yelled “don’t” before firing three rounds at Kirby, hitting him in the chest.

Hanley said Rhein’s belief he and other officers were in danger was warranted and said Rhein’s actions were justified.

“Officer Rhein’s use of force was justified as he acted reasonably and lawfully,” Hanley said in a news release.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford police officer cleared of charges in fatal shooting