WILMINGTON — Three Delaware State Police troopers were justified in the use of deadly force that left a man with two gunshot wounds during an arrest in Viola late last year, an investigation has determined.

The Delaware Department of Justice released its findings Wednesday regarding the incident on Dec. 30, 2020 that involved Ronald Cochran, 28, of Viola. According to the report, police returned fire after Cochran discharged a firearm toward them.

The report exonerated troopers Joshua Cary, Schatzschneider Billy-Attoh, Jr., and Andrey Green, who responded to the scene at 201 East Evens Road, for a person reportedly shooting a firearm in back of the residence.

According to the report, the person, later identified as Cochran, “was armed, disobeyed police commands, and fired multiple times in the direction of the Troopers. As he attempted to flee, and after he already fired at other police officers, Cochran raised his gun toward Trooper Green, prompting Trooper Green to fire his rifle in response.

“Neither of Trooper Green’s rifle rounds struck Cochran.”

Also, the reports said, Troopers Cary and Billy-Atoh Jr. returned fire.

The investigation concluded that “Each of the three Troopers believed that their actions were necessary to protect themselves from serious physical injury or death.”

Cochran was transported to a hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and released, the report stated.

Cochran was arrested and later indicted on charges of first-degree attempted murder (two counts), first-degree reckless endangering, second-degree burglary, second-degree conspiracy, theft of a firearm, criminal mischief, possession of firearm during the commission of felony, possession of a firearm by person prohibited and possession of ammunition by a person prohibited.