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SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The police officer who shot and killed a black man in South Bend last month has resigned. 

Sgt. Ryan O’Neill tendered his resignation to police chief Scott Ruszkowski Monday. O’Neill didn’t have his body camera activated when he approached Eric Logan, whom he suspected of breaking into cars. 

“Officer O’Neill tells us that the individual began approaching him the knife raised,” said St. Joseph County prosecutor Ken Cotter. “When Officer O’Neill got close to his own vehicle, he discharged two shots.”

Now, O’Neill is facing a federal lawsuit by Logan’s family. A special prosecutor is investigating to see if any criminal charges should be filed.

“Sgt. O’Neill did his job and was forced to defend his own life from a convicted felon who was armed with an eight-inch hunting knife,” said Harvey Mills, South Bend FOP President, in the release. “We’re confident that the investigation into the shooting will determine that the action he took was justified.”

Ripley County prosecutor Ric Hertel began looking into the case as special prosecutor last week and said he would not give any updates until his investigation is over.

(PHOTO: m-gucci/Thinkstock)