A Wood County judge says Captain Rick Woodyard with the Wood County Sheriff's Department is not guilty of any wrong-doing after shooting and killing a suspect in a 2002 drug bust.

In December of 2002, members of the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force attempted to arrest 33-year old Bryan Causey during an undercover drug buy with him.

After the buy, when deputies tried to pull Causey over, he fled and ran his car off the road into a ravine.

They say Causey continued his attempt to escape, putting the officers in danger.

Captain Woodyard, fearing for the safety of everyone involved, fired his gun at the driver's side window, shooting and killing Causey.

Years later, a relative of Causey filed a civil suit against Captain Woodyard and several other Wood County officials.

Wood County Judge J.D. Beane cleared Captain Woodyard and the department of any wrong-doing, ruling that Woodyard had reason to believe his life was in danger.